BALCONES HEIGHTS, Texas – Balcones Heights Mayor Johnny Rodriguez was arrested Wednesday after allegedly assaulting a former councilman during a City Council meeting, according to a warrant for Rodriguez’s arrest.
Rodriguez is accused of assaulting former Councilman Lamar Gillian at Monday’s Balcones Heights City Council meeting. He was arrested Wednesday by the Bexar County Constable Precinct 2 and faces a charge of assault against the elderly.
During the meeting, Rodriguez left the dais and walked toward where Gillian, 78, was standing near the end of an aisle. According to the warrant, Rodriguez approached Gillian and “intentionally or knowingly caused physical contact” near Gillian’s arm and/or shoulder.
In a recording of the meeting posted to YouTube, Gillian can be heard telling Rodriguez, “Don’t you touch me.”
Rodriguez then allegedly made another “reaching movement” toward Gillian, according to the warrant.
“There was no apparent necessity for Rodriguez to approach Gillian, enter Gillian’s immediate personal space, or physically contact Gillian in order for Rodriguez to leave the council chambers,” the warrant states.
An officer who was acting as a bailiff positioned himself between the two, the warrant states, preventing another apparent attempt by Rodriguez “to physically contact Gillian.”
Gillian regularly attends council meetings and “has publicly criticized Rodriguez’s conduct, behavior, and decorum,” according to the warrant. He has also expressed concerns regarding perceived changes in the mayor’s behavior.
Rodriguez was booked into the Bexar County jail on Wednesday night. Additional details on his arrest were not immediately available, and the investigation is ongoing.
In a statement Wednesday, the Balcones Heights Police Department said it “takes the matter very seriously.”
Rodriguez’s bond is set at $5,000, and he was issued a no-contact order against Gillian. He is also prohibited from possessing firearms.
In a statement Wednesday night, the city said it is “aware of the arrest.”
“The City respects the legal process and the fundamental principle that every individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” the city said. “During this difficult time, our thoughts are with Mayor Rodriguez and his family as they navigate the circumstances ahead.”
The statement said city operations and services will continue to operate as normal.
Rodriguez has been at the center of controversy over the last few months. He was accused of a series of misconduct allegations, which he has denied.
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