DETROIT -- Recently elected Detroit city councilwoman Monica Conyers is accused of assaulting another woman at a bar.

The brawl occurred at Crossroads Lounge Monday night, according to Local 4.

"A drunken woman attacked a judge and then turned and attacked -- a few minutes later -- Councilwoman Conyers. Councilwoman Conyers defended herself," said Sam Riddle, Conyers' chief of staff.

Rebecca Mews, the woman who claims she was assaulted by Conyers, said, "I was in no way intoxicated."

Mews said she was irritated. She was attending a birthday party for herself and her date, a local attorney who is friends with both Conyers and Judge Debra Thomas.

Mews said she didn't appreciate how Thomas was dancing with her date, and cut in on their dance.

According to Mews, that is when the dispute started. When she sat down with her date, she said Conyers approached her and stood with her back to Mews, speaking to her date.

"I tapped her on the shoulder, and said 'Pardon Me,'" said Mews.

Mews said Conyers then turned around and started to yell.

"She commented that they had a 25-year friendship, and who am I?" said Mews.

Mews said she yelled back, and Conyers punched her in the left eye several times.

Mews fell to the floor, and a fight ensued, Local 4 reported. Others also started to throw punches, the station reported.

"I never struck her. Never once did I hit her. Her staff had to restrain her twice," said Mews.

Mews said she wants Conyers to be charged with assault.

Conyers' representatives said the councilwoman does not want special treatment in this case. She wants police to investigate this as though she is a citizen.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/5626278/detail.html