Rochester mayor arrested after fight with borough manager at council meeting
Rochester police said a heated argument between Mayor Keith Jackson and borough manager John Barrett turned physical during a borough council executive session this month, resulting in the arrest of Jackson, who faces several charges.
Court documents say Jackson and Barrett got into an argument over personnel matters, calling each other names and profanities. Rochester police said during the argument, Jackson got up and moved toward Barrett, knocking over the borough president in the process, who reportedly fell to the ground.
Police said Jackson then bumped his chest against Barrett, yelling at Barrett to “say what he said” during the argument and shouted at Barrett to hit him. Police arrested Jackson and charged him with assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.
“(Jackson) is a very friendly guy, just trying to do a good job. I don’t know what happened in the borough building. I really don’t,” said Anthony Mignanelli, a lifelong Rochester resident.
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Other people familiar with Rochester politics weren’t as surprised.
“Not really, because I’ve heard of this a couple of times over and over again in the past years. I don’t know why for certain. I can only assume that there’s a lot of heat and tension going on, but I’m not sure what the real problem is,” said Mary Caratelli.
Borough police were able to separate Jackson and Barrett, and called in Beaver County detectives to assist. They arrested Jackson, who, as of Tuesday, still remains mayor. Channel 11 visited his office Tuesday afternoon to hear his side of the story. He wasn’t in his office, but we noticed a sign on the door telling people to stay out.
“I don’t know what they’re going to do. I hope it resolves itself. It’s a little town, and it needs good public officials to keep it going,” Caratelli said.
The borough is not releasing a statement at this time.
Mayor Jackson told Channel 11 over the phone that he didn’t want to do an interview until the investigation is complete, but he said that he’ll talk to us in the future so that “everyone will see the whole picture.”
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