Rowena Brown, Oakland’s at-large city councilmember, was assaulted and robbed “by an acquaintance she had been supporting through a difficult time,” her office said Thursday. The alleged assault and robbery happened last weekend in Oakland, according to Brown’s office. She sought medical treatment and is recovering. “She remains focused on her recovery and on continuing to serve the Oakland community,” Brown’s office said in a statement. The alleged attack happened at Brown’s West Oakland apartment early Sunday morning, according to court documents. Oakland police said officers responded at about 12:45 a.m. According to investigators, Brown asked 38-year-old Ashatae Millhouse, who also goes by “Tae,” to leave the apartment after what Brown described as escalating behavior. As Millhouse walked toward the door, she punched Brown twice, knocking her to the ground, according to court documents. Millhouse allegedly then strangled Brown, who was eventually able to escape the apartment. Investigators said Millhouse then took Brown’s purse and two cellphones before leaving. Oakland police arrested Millhouse in Livermore on Tuesday. She appeared in court on Thursday to face felony charges, including first-degree residential robbery, assault by force and false imprisonment. A judge ordered her to undergo an assessment by a rehabilitation facility. She is being held on $125,000 bail and is due back in court on July 30 to enter a plea. Millhouse is a founder of a nonprofit that organizes music events focused on mental health and violence prevention. She has posted several photos with Brown on social media, including during Brown’s 2024 campaign. Earlier this year, Millhouse announced she had been appointed to Oakland’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission by Mayor Barbara Lee and Brown. NBC Bay Area reached out to the commission but did not immediately hear back. ...read more read less