Overview
- Johnny A. Rodriguez Jr. was arrested Wednesday and charged with misdemeanor assault after video and an arrest affidavit show he touched 78-year-old former councilman Lamar Gillian despite Gillian telling him not to be touched.
- Court records say bond was set at $5,000, Rodriguez must avoid contact with Gillian, he was ordered to surrender firearm possession, and an arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 29.
- Video from the council meeting shows a physical contact that led an officer to separate Rodriguez and Gillian and escort the mayor from the chamber.
- The arrest comes after a June city-commissioned 35-page investigation that concluded Rodriguez created a “culture of fear” in city government and alleged racist and derogatory comments toward staff.
- Balcones Heights officials revised the City Council Relations Policy, Code of Ethics, and rules of procedure to allow removal for disruptive behavior while the city says the mayor technically remains in office and could continue serving.