Arizona mayor on the rocks after barstool brawl brings assault accusation at local saloon
Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta was issued a criminal citation after an Aug. 16 barstool dispute at the Bird Cage Saloon in downtown Prescott. (Town of Prescott Valley, FOX 10 File)
PRESCOTT, Ariz. - Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta has been issued a criminal citation for assault and disorderly conduct after an alleged fight at a downtown Prescott bar, authorities announced Friday.
What we know:
The charges stem from an Aug. 16 incident at the Bird Cage Saloon, where police say surveillance video and witness statements captured the 49-year-old mayor shoving a patron during a dispute over a barstool.
The backstory:
According to the Prescott Police Department, the conflict began around 4 p.m. when Palguta walked into the saloon and sat down next to a woman at the bar. A verbal argument broke out when the woman's husband returned to find Palguta in his seat. Security footage showed Palguta eventually standing up and moving away, prompting the spouse to pull his original barstool back toward his spot.
Investigators say Palguta then returned to the counter, set his drink down and snatched the stool away with both hands. The altercation turned physical when Palguta allegedly grabbed the man's arm and shoulder, shoving him toward the bar. Saloon staff quickly stepped in to break up the scuffle before officers were called to investigate the following day. Based on the video evidence and witness statements, police say they issued Palguta a criminal citation for misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct.
What they're saying:
"I am aware that charges related to an incident I was involved in at a business establishment in Prescott last Sunday are moving forward, and I expect to receive a citation within the next couple of days," Palguta said in a statement on Thursday. "I want to specifically recognize and thank the Prescott Police Department for the professionalism they have demonstrated throughout this process. They have a job to do, and I respect that responsibility and the legal process that follows.
"Because this is now an active legal matter, I will not debate the details through social media or the court of public opinion," the statement continues. "There will be an appropriate time and place for the complete circumstances surrounding the incident to be addressed. In the meantime, I will continue doing the job I was elected to do and remain focused on serving the residents of Prescott Valley."
Map of where police say the assault occurred:
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from the Prescott Police Department and Ken