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CHICAGO — Police have arrested 22nd Ward Alderman Ricardo Munoz regarding a domestic violence incident that took place on New Year’s Eve.

Police confirm officers responded to an incident involving Munoz and his wife on Dec. 31. The two were in a verbal argument when Munoz allegedly pushed and struck the victim, according to police.

Munoz was taken into custody at his aldermanic office Wednesday in Little Village on the 2500 block of South St. Louis Avenue.

In July, the longtime independent City Council member announced he would retire. Munoz said he’ll serve out his current term but won’t run for re-election.

He has yet to comment or speak publicly about the allegations.

This is not Munoz’s first run-in with the law. He has spoken publicly about his arrest as a teenager on drug and gun charges. He later had his record expunged.

Lisette Lopez, a candidate for 22nd Ward alderman, issued the following statement:

For 22nd Ward Alderman

This morning we learned about the arrest of Alderman Ricardo Munoz. It is a regrettable incident, if found to be true. The community has seen Rick Muñoz’ fight with personal struggles for quite some time now and this news saddens me for all parties involved. Domestic violence is a serious issue and should not be tolerated. The NCADV states that on average 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. 1 in 4 Women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. Domestic violence sees no race, gender or socioeconomic status— and in our community, this is something that unfortunately occurs too often. As a woman that experienced domestic violence, this is an issue that is close to my heart. I saw first hand the impact of not having quality resources in our community and how that makes it harder for victims to get help. In my experience, it was having a strong support system that got me through it all. My personal experience is one of the reasons why I decided to run for Alderman. Our community deserves quality and easily attainable resources that will help victims who are going through domestic violence.

If the allegations are true, Alderman Munoz should be held accountable for his actions and his position in city council should not be a factor here. This situation should not be taken lightly.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Alderman’s wife and children as they heal from this situation. – Lisette “Liz” Lopez, 22nd Ward Aldermanic Candidate

Munoz was sworn into office in 1993.