A Democratic city councilman in Dothan, Alabama struck a local TV reporter twice in the face on Tuesday after being asked about allegations that he engaged in voter fraud.
According to the Dothan Eagle, WTVY reporter Ken Curtis confronted District 2 commissioner Amos Newsome over the allegations after a city council meeting and asked him if he would consider resigning
That’s when Newsome, 80, lashed out, striking Curtis in the face.
WATCH:
The newsman posted a picture online showing that he was bleeding.
Here's a link to a video on WTVY's Facebook page of Amos Newsome hitting reporter Ken Curtis http://t.co/MDbjmm7C2u pic.twitter.com/Co1GSASPse
— Dothan Eagle (@dothaneagle) October 6, 2015
Dothan police arrested Newsome late Tuesday and charged him with third-degree assault. The charge, a misdemeanor, carries a $500 fine.
According to the Eagle, three of Newsome’s former aides, including a long-term companion, have been convicted of voter fraud. And though Newsome himself has not been charged, some of his fellow commissioners have demanded that he step down.
Curtis has pressed Newsome on the allegations in the past. Video recorded last month shows Curtis following Newsome to his vehicle following a city council meeting. Newsome decline to comment then, but did not punch Curtis.
Newsome’s official city website shows an impressive resume. A graduate of Tuskegee University, Newsome reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. He has also served as a professor of military science at Prairie View A & M.
The Daily Caller spoke to Newsome’s executive assistant who said she was not at liberty to comment on the incident.
This article has been updated with video and additional detail.