By Ben Crnic,
A Rockland County town has launched a formal workplace violence investigation after an altercation between two top officials at a press conference was caught on video.
The incident involved Clarkstown Highway Superintendent Bob Milone and Town Supervisor George Hoehmann during a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to a statement released by the Town of Clarkstown on Friday, Oct. 9.
The press conference had been held to discuss the start of construction on repairs to the Congers Lake Trailway, a project Daily Voice previously reported on.
However, the event took an unexpected turn when Milone allegedly initiated a confrontation with Hoehmann.
According to the town, a media outlet attending the press conference captured part of the encounter on video and later published the footage, which circulated widely.
Following the incident, a police report was filed, and Clarkstown’s Safety Compliance Officer was notified. Town officials have since opened a formal workplace violence investigation into the encounter.
“The Town of Clarkstown takes violations of workplace safety and threats or acts of violence seriously, and will thoroughly review the matter,” the town’s statement said.
The town also said it provides annual workplace violence prevention training to elected officials and employees, including guidance on appropriate conduct and ways to confidentially report safety concerns.
Officials declined to reveal more details about the investigation, citing the town’s policy against commenting on individual personnel matters.
The town did not provide more details about what sparked the confrontation, whether anyone was injured, or whether disciplinary action could follow. No criminal charges were announced in Friday’s statement.
Following the town’s statement, Milone made his own post on social media, calling Hoehmann “a bully who’s weaponizing taxpayer resources against his perceived political opponents.”
Milone also claimed the altercation began when he showed up at the press conference and Hoehmann told him to “get lost,” the Highway Superintendent wrote in his post.
“This ‘workplace investigation’ is more of the same abuse of government resources and I will be making my own complaint to the Rockland County District Attorney and the Attorney General documenting that pattern of misuse,” Milone wrote.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
