Seven people were arrested in a dispute stemming from an eviction ordered by the Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California.

Tribal police officers went to the apartment of Dwayne Duncan on Wednesday to evict him for alleged failure to pay rent. They were accompanied by deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

A “melee” soon erupted, The Lake County News reported. Douglas Duncan, 57, who is described as a spiritual leader, was leading a ceremony inside the apartment when it happened and was among those arrested.

“This is the most extreme it’s been,” EJ Crandell, who was present at the scene, told the paper.

Charlene Duncan, sister of Dwayne Duncan, blamed the eviction on her family's opposition to Chairwoman Tracey Avila, who awaits trial in state court on theft charges.

Get the Story:
Seven arrested following fight with law enforcement during Robinson Rancheria tribal eviction (The Lake County News 1/25)

Related Stories:
Robinson Rancheria chairwoman faces hearing on theft charge (5/29)