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DETROIT LAKES, Minnesota: The Minnesota police said that a state senator and former broadcast meteorologist, Nicole Mitchell, was arrested on suspicion of burglary early this week in the northwestern city of Detroit Lakes.

Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steve Todd said that Democrat Mitchell, 49, of Woodbury, was being held in the Becker County Jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary and formal charges were still pending.

Mitchell’s arrest, which happened while the Senate was on its Passover break, adds to the difficulties facing Senate Democrats. With four weeks left in the legislative session, they hold just a one-seat majority. Passing any legislation that lacks bipartisan support would be difficult due to her absence.

Dispatchers received a 911 call at 4:45 a.m. from a homeowner about “an active burglary in process at her residence,” and officers then searched the home and arrested Mitchell, Todd said in an interview.

However, he added that he could provide few other details because the case was still under investigation.

In a statement about Mitchell’s arrest, the Senate Democratic Caucus said it is “aware of the situation and has no comment pending further information.”

In a statement, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks, said he was shocked but knew very few details.

“The public expects legislators to meet a high standard of conduct. As information comes out, we expect the consequences to meet the actions, both in the court of law, and in her role at the legislature,” Johnson said.