WARREN, Maine — The chairman of the Warren Board of Selectman denies he assaulted the head of the Public Works Department last month.
The denial was issued Wednesday evening by Chairman Michael York’s attorney, Christopher MacLean of Camden.
“Mr. York completely denies the allegations that have been made,” MacLean said. “The version of events described in the notice of claim and by Mr. (Douglas) Gammon’s personal injury lawyer is simply not true. The truth is that without provocation, Mr. Gammon punched Mr. York in the face on Nov. 5. Unfortunately, we cannot stop Mr. Gammon and his lawyer from making whatever allegations they want, but we are confident that when the truth comes out, Mr. York will be fully vindicated.”
Gammon filed a notice of claim with the town last week, seeking damages of more than $150,000. He claims that York came on his property, refused to leave and then punched him. The public works supervisor suffered a torn ligament and tendon damage to his thumb, according to the notice.
“Mr. York’s actions here were bizarre, erratic and highly disturbing. He has now exposed the town of Warren to significant liability for his outrageous behavior,” Gammon’s attorney, Jeremy Pratt, said last week.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has referred its investigation of the altercation to the district attorney’s office. Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Baroody said earlier this week that no decision has been on whether criminal charges will be filed.
Gammon said last month that the incident involved a town public works vehicle that had broken down and was parked on a turnaround next to his property on Tolman Road in Warren. Gammon said Selectman Ed LaFlamme came over to his home to ask why the town truck was parked where it was on Nov. 5. Gammon would not say anything more about his discussion with LaFlamme other than that he asked the selectman to leave his property and LaFlamme did.
Shortly afterward, however, York also showed up at Gammon’s home to ask about the vehicle, Gammon said. Again, Gammon would not elaborate on the discussion that occurred between him and York, but he said York struck him before leaving.
At last month’s selectmen meeting, residents criticized the town manager for initially prohibiting Gammon from being on town property while York was still allowed there. The public works garage and town office are on the same lot in town. Clark said last month that she initially banned Gammon from town property for a cooling-off period. The town manager said she has no authority over selectmen.
Gammon has been cleared by the manager to return to work.