TAFT, Texas — The mayor of Taft, Texas, Randy Powell, is now under investigation by the San Patricio County Sheriff's Department for allegedly pulling a knife on a City employee last Friday.
3News learned Friday that Powell's accuser, Taft Public Works Director Joe Sandoval, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation's completion.
According to Sandoval, Powell pulled a knife on him during an argument last Friday outside of Taft's old animal control center. After reporting the incident to the police, Sandoval was placed on paid administrative leave by the City, leaving his attorney to wonder, 'Why?'.
"My client isn't alleged to have done anything wrong, and hence the reason he shouldn't be sitting at home," Attorney Chris Gale said. "Even if he's at home being paid, he doesn't want to be. He wants to be working."
According to Taft City Manager Melissa Gonzalez, Sandoval was placed on administrative leave because that was the best option for the City as the charge was being investigated.
"At this point what I can comment on is that not all of the details and information were known at that time, so that was the best option for the city to take," Gonzalez said.
3News will keep you updated as more details of this investigation become available.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Remembering Selena on the 27th anniversary of her death
- Fire crews make progress as they enter second night of containment efforts on the 'Borrega' Fire in Kleberg County
- South Texas quilter continues mission to honor veterans one stitch at a time
- Corpus Christi deaf community inspired by 'CODA' Oscar win
- Corpus Christi leaders takes first steps toward adding hotel to American Bank Center area
- Texans may need to be patient for bluebonnets to bloom this year
- South Texas landowner accuses government of taking property through eminent domain
- CCPD arrest man connected to morning convenience store murder
- Feral pigs hogging up space and uprooting yards in southside neighborhoods
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.