Burgin mayor allegedly assaulted outside of restaurant

Published 7:00 am Thursday, April 12, 2018

BURGIN — A warrant has been issued for James Hurley of Burgin after he allegedly assaulted the mayor of Burgin outside a restaurant early Wednesday morning.

“This morning at 8 a.m., I received a call from dispatch that I needed to go to city hall. When I did, Mayor (George) Hensley was there, he had blood dripping from his face and ear,” said Burgin Police Chief Casey Rucker.

Rucker said Hensley, 70, had gone to the Burgin Depot for breakfast when the altercation occurred.

“As he approached the door, he was approached by the suspect,” Rucker said.

The chief said the mayor reported that Hurley had confronted Hensley about statements that had been made during the city council meeting Tuesday night in Burgin.

“I believe it stemmed from a comment that was made with his name being said in passing. The suspect was irate about it and didn’t take it very well,” Rucker said.

Rucker said the mayor told him he let Hurley know he wasn’t aware of what he was talking about, then turned to enter the restaurant. That’s when Hurley allegedly assaulted him.

Hensley was transported to a hospital by the city clerk; he was treated and released, Rucker said.

Hurley will be charged with fourth-degree assault and disorderly conduct. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, a warrant had been issued for his arrest, but he was not in custody. Rucker said Wednesday afternoon he expected to serve the warrant “very soon.”