Campbell, 45, a Republican serving his second term as controller, had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, had bloodshot eyes and was unable to keep his balance when city police Officer Donald Morant found him at 1:25 a.m. outside Lancaster Malt Brewing Company, 302 N. Plum St., according to a police report.

Morant issued a public drunkenness citation to Campbell after helping him and a companion, Betsy R. Davidheiser-Sha, 29, into his police cruiser. Davidheiser-Sha, who was also cited for public drunkeness, was lying with Campbell in the parking lot, police said.

Campbell said Wednesday night that Morant "went too far" and that he plans to fight the citation during a hearing before District Justice Richard W. Musser.

"I won't deny that I was drinking," Campbell said. "I appeared more intoxicated than I really was because my allergies require me to take Benadryl. The medication and a combination of beers puts you in a daze."

Campbell said he met with an attorney Wednesday and "feels confident" the citation will be dismissed.

"I'm mystified as to why police acted as they did," Campbell said. "This was an inappropriate arrest, and I will be defending myself before the magistrate."

Lancaster Mayor Charlie Smithgall said city police Capt. Larry Wolpert called him Wednesday morning and told him about the incident involving Campbell.

Smithgall said Campbell attended a city business meeting Wednesday at 11 a.m. in City Hall. Campbell left without speaking to Smithgall, the mayor said.

"It's a regrettable situation," Smithgall said. "I'd like to hear from R.B. about what really happened."

Campbell, of 233 E. Walnut St., defeated Democrat Pat Coller in 2001 to win his second four-year term as city controller. The part-time position pays $8,500 a year and includes a health benefits package worth about $5,700.

Campbell oversees the opening of bids, participates in audits and monitors police and fire pension funds and the Long's Park Commission. He also serves on the city Trust and Charities Board.

Campbell said that he walked a block from his East Walnut Street home to the Lancaster Malt Brewing Company and met Davidheiser-Sha, whom he described as a "female friend."

Campbell said he left the bar with Davidheiser-Sha, so the two could talk in the parking lot. He said he was sitting on the ground next to the woman when Morant suddenly arrived.

"He didn't ask any questions. He just handcuffed us and took us to the police station. He went overboard," Campbell said. "We were not laying on the ground. He should've just encouraged me to walk the one block home."

Campbell was held at the city police station for about an hour Wednesday morning until a friend arrived and drove him home.

Smithgall said he is not sure what the future holds for Campbell.

"I'm not sure what to do about this," Smithgall said. "This is first time anything like this has happened."

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