Alabama mayor, wife charged with assault after City Council brawl

Alexander City, Ala., Mayor Charles Shaw, left, is restrained by an officer after a fight broke out between him and councilman Tony Goss, far right, during a meeting of the Alexander City City Council in Alexander City, Ala., on Monday, April 25, 2016.
Alexander City, Ala., Mayor Charles Shaw, left, is restrained by an officer after a fight broke out between him and councilman Tony Goss, far right, during a meeting of the Alexander City City Council in Alexander City, Ala., on Monday, April 25, 2016.

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. - A city council member in Alabama says the town's mayor punched him in the face at the end of a council meeting, leading to a fracas involving several others.

Alexander City Councilman Tony Goss tells Al.com that Mayor Charles Shaw slugged him as Monday night's meeting was concluding and that he punched back. No one was seriously hurt.

Shaw tells the news site that Goss swore at his wife, which prompted the brawl. The mayor said he'd hit Goss again if he swears at his wife again.

Al.com reports that the fight happened after a heated discussion of finances during the meeting.

Tallapoosa County Chief Deputy Sheriff David McMichael says Shaw and his wife Lavern are charged with assault and each was released on $1,000 bail.

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