VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After Tuesday’s Vigo County Council meeting, an altercation occurred between council members.
Council President David Thompson and Council Member Randy Gentry got into a heated argument that was broken up by Vigo County Sheriff Deputies.
Gentry sent WTWO a statement on Wednesday saying Thompson “Made threats” and that he “Needed to consider his safety and his family’s safety.”
He added that, “Violence or threats of violence are never appropriate.”
Thompson spoke with us on Wednesday afternoon. He said that Gentry was the person who escalated the situation.
“After the meeting, I was told that Councilman Gentry was telling people that I took Councilman Ellis off the agenda and I was trying to silence him”, Thompson said. “That couldn’t be further from the fact. I went up and I questioned Councilman Gentry. He said that he had an email saying that I was the one. I told him that I didn’t send him an email. He smacks the table, stands up, and tells deputies to get me out of his face.”
Thompson went on to say that Gentry has shown this type of behavior in the past and he, along with other officials, has had to put up with it.
“This is Councilman Gentry’s M.O.”, Thompson said. “This is what he has done to the party, unfortunately.”
We also reached out to Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell about the incident. He said that Thompson and Gentry did not choose to file a report on Tuesday night. He added that if a criminal report was filed, it would have to be handed over to the Indiana State Police.
Fell went on to say that any type of violence or threat should not be tolerated, especially at a government meeting.
We also reached out to Vigo County Deputy Prosecutor Rob Roberts. He confirmed that he was in the council chambers after the meeting, but his restrictions as a prosecutor prevent him from making any further comment.
Here is the full statement from Council Member Randy Gentry regarding the altercation:
“After the threats made by the Council President last night after the meeting, as documented by the Sheriff Department and Chief Deputy Prosecutor, I need to consider my safety and my family’s safety. While this issue is being dealt with, I need to let the legal process regarding the threats to be addressed. I prefer not to be interviewed now, but while likely worthless, I will need a few days. You may have a new desire to interview me. Violence or threats of violence are never appropriate.”
