Christ Yoder
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An alleged confrontation between the Boyle County Treasurer and a Lexington lawyer following a public hearing Tuesday night is being investigated by police and the county executive judge.
After the Danville-Boyle County Board of Directors public hearing and subsequent approval of Parker’s Place dog kennel and grooming expansion, a verbal altercation began in the hallway outside the office planning and zoning of Danville town hall, according to several witnesses.
A group of people who attended the hearing were still gathered in the parking lot and watching Boyle County Treasurer Keagan Hinkle and Richard A. Getty, attorney for Wendy Lannigan and her company, pursue a confrontation at the outside the town hall, witnesses said.
The police were summoned and they ran to the scene.
One person said it looked like Hinkle unfolded his shirt, took off his belt and waved it threateningly towards Getty.
County administrator Julie Wagner said on Wednesday County Executive Judge Howard Hunt “was conducting a full investigation into the incident.” She said he was speaking to people who witnessed the event and that he would watch surveillance footage of the hallway and parking lot during the time the incident allegedly occurred after the police department of Danville will have completed his own investigation and released the video.
Afterwards, Hunt will make a statement on the situation, she said. She added that Hunt “will make an informed decision on how to handle this.”
Wagner said she also spoke to Danville Mayor Mike Perros, who said “there were no punches or punches.”
On Wednesday, Hinkle said he did not want to make a statement regarding the incident. He did say, however, that he lived with his parents who are Parker’s Place’s immediate neighbors and who have spoken out openly against the kennel.
“It put me in a bind between my family and my job, so I stayed out of this whole ordeal.”
Asked about the allegation that he was involved in an ’emotional explosion’ or confrontation in the town hall parking lot, Hinkle said: ‘I don’t really have a comment on this, for to be honest, because I don’t even know… what happened. … I kind of got bombed.
Asked about the belt allegation, Hinkle said, “I had just taken my belt off. … I just took off my seat belt because it had been a long day. I unfolded my shirt. I am putting on weight a bit these days. I’m getting old. I just wanted to release the pressure. I couldn’t believe what just happened.
Hinkle said, “I have no problem with the kennel or the Lannigans, or anyone affiliated with the kennel. I just wish it was somewhere else.
He added, “I think this is probably a great company. I’m sure they are. I support the business. I support local. Maybe I wish it was in a different place, but you can’t change what it is. … They are taxpayers in the community. They pay their taxes on professional bottom lines like everyone else, and I hope the business continues to grow, continues to do well.
On Wednesday afternoon, Getty said, “To be honest with you, I was surprised by the whole damn thing.”
Getty said he never felt threatened during the situation.
“I’m not sure I can be threatened by anyone. Did I feel uncomfortable with the whole situation? You’re right, I did. I thought it was totally inappropriate, totally inappropriate, but I don’t think this boy, or anyone else in the world, could threaten Richard A. Getty, â€he said.
He added, “We’re adults… you just don’t engage in that kind of driving. … I think it’s just a very, very unfortunate situation. … The worst part is… he’s a civil servant. He should know better.
