COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) - An apparent fist fight between Columbus Mayor Robert Smith and city councilman Kabir Karriem ends with Karriem at the hospital.
Neither of the city leaders could be reached Friday morning for comment.
On the advice of city attorney Jeff Turnage, other city leaders have been advised not to discuss the matter because Turnage says it's a personnel matter. However, one council member did say he was "awful upset" and "there is no place for that kind of behavior in city government."
Sources say Karriem went to city hall after the two argued over the first-term councilman's opposition to signing a $2 million agreement to restore the old Highway 182 bridge.
It's unclear who started the scuffle but Karriem was reportedly at the hospital until the early hours of Friday morning.
Smith and Karriem have been at odds since last year's election, when Karriem ran against Smith's chosen candidate.
Karriem has been speculated to challenge Smith for Mayor in three years.
The Lowndes County Sheriff's Department confirmed they were asked to investigate an incident between Mayor Smith and the councilman. They are taking statements and interviewing witnesses but wouldn't release any further information.
WCBI News and wcbi.com will keep you informed on this developing story.