A suburban New York highway superintendent was restrained as he screamed at a town supervisor during a press conference on Thursday, sparking a police report and a workplace violence investigation.
Clarkstown Highway Superintendent Bob Milone is seen in a video, filmed by the Rockland Daily, exploding at Town Supervisor George Hoehmann during a public announcement about repairs on a trailway around Congers Lake. In the clip, a man attempts to restrain Milone as he yells, "What you say to me, what you say to me? … Who the hell do you think you’re talking to, George? You could bully everybody else in this town. Stop bullying people, George!"
The town of Clarkstown, an enclave in Rockland County, confirmed Friday that a police report was filed and a formal workplace investigation has been launched.
"Following the incident, a police report was filed, and the town’s Safety Compliance Officer was notified. A formal workplace violence investigation has been launched as a result of this video," the town stated. "The Town of Clarkstown takes violations of workplace safety and threats or acts of violence seriously, and will thoroughly review the matter."
The town also noted that it provides annual workplace violence safety training and is committed to a safe and respectful work environment, but declined to comment on "individual personnel matters."
It remains unclear what prompted the confrontation between Milone, who has led the Clarkstown Highway Department for six years and is up for reelection, and Hoehmann, who has served as town supervisor since 2016.
The press conference was held to announce repair work on the Congers Lake Trailway, a 2.5-mile trail and boardwalk that had been closed since April due to damaged support pilings. Repairs are expected to be completed by mid-November.
Neither Hoehmann nor Milone immediately responded to requests for comment.