A man running for the Memphis City Council District 7 seat is in trouble after he reportedly pulled a gun at a Memphis polling station.
This, according to FOX13Memphis.com.
“According to MPD, the incident happened September 16 at the Dave Wells Community Center located on Chelsea Ave. Details surrounding the incident are very limited, but MPD told FOX13 an arrangement was made between the victim and Thurston Smith prior to the conversation where Smith pulled a gun,” the station reported.
“Witnesses told MPD they confirmed the victim’s story saying a gun was pulled by Smith. Smith was arrested on Wednesday and posted bond later that day. Smith’s bond was $5,000.”
According to The Memphis Commercial Appeal, which had more details, the alleged victim was a poll worker.
“The poll worker, Anthony Johnson, got in an argument with Smith about a previous arrangement the pair had, an affidavit said,” the paper reported.
“During the argument, Johnson claims Smith pulled a handgun on him, according to the arrest affidavit. Witnesses also say they saw Smith pull the gun, according to the affidavit.”
According to his campaign’s Facebook page, Smith describes himself as a teacher, veteran, and activist.
According to Tri-StateDefender.com, Smith is 57-years-old and is a Civil Service retiree, an adjunct professor, and a business consultant. Smith also served on the Shelby County Commission for Community Health Advisory Committee and Shelby County Opioid Task Force.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Thurston Smith” by Thurston Smith.
Just another instance of the Wild West (Tennessee) commonly known as Memphis.
Are Guns allowed at polling stations now?