Hartley, who is a candidate in the June 3 primary race for District 3, was placed under citizen's arrest late Thursday afternoon after he allegedly was seen urinating into a cup and masturbating in public on Vista Street near Adams Avenue in Kensington, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The 65-year-old Hartley sat on the council from 1989 to 1993 and has been walking precincts daily in his bid to return to the panel, the newspaper reported.

He is currently being held on $27,000 bail in central jail and is set to appear in court on April 3.

Larry Remer, a campaign consultant hired by Hartley, told the Union-Tribune that he was surprised to hear of the candidate's arrest.

"This alleged behavior is completely at odds with the John Hartley I know," Remer told the newspaper. "I sincerely hope he's being given the presumption of innocence he's entitled to."

District 3 in San Diego is currently represented by Councilwoman Toni Atkins, who cannot seek re-election because of term limits. District 3 encompasses Balboa Park, City Heights, Golden Hill, Hillcrest, Kensington, Normal Heights, North Park, South Park, Talmadge and University Heights.

Hartley lives in Normal Heights.