MIDDLESBORO — A man came before city council Tuesday night accusing an Middlesboro Police Department (MPD) officer of abuse.

City resident Benny Evans said that a MPD officer had bruised his mother on the leg, but did not elaborate on the situation.

“One of your police officers hit my mom, (who’s) 83-year-old,” said Evans.

Council member Gary Mills asked MPD Police Chief Jeff Sharpe to look into the matter and report back.

Mills then said he wasn’t sure the council had anything to do with addressing these matters.

Sharpe agreed, “The council doesn’t have anything to do with it.”

“The man has multiple charges before the court and I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment on it right now,” the police chief added.

Evans admitted to the council that he’d been arrested for driving under the influence in Middlesboro. According to Bell County Detention Center’s website, Evans has been arrested three times since October for driving under the influence, among other charges. On Dec. 3, Evans was arrested for a DUI, as well as fleeing police on foot and resisting arrest.

There was discussion as to how Evans should address the issue.

“The answer would have been to call the police chief early on, but they haven’t availed themselves that option,” said Sharpe, referring to Evans and his mother. “I’m familiar with the case. I know what happened. I know how it happened. And I received a full report on it the day after it happened.”

Evans told the council that Sharpe wouldn’t talk to him about the incident.

Mayor Ben Hickman publicly asked Evans to reveal the name the officer during the meeting. Evans did state the name of the officer, but due to libel issues, the Daily News cannot print the name of the individual.

“I’m not sure this is the venue for what this problem is, sir,” interjected Mills. “I do believe you might need to go and get a lawyer and pursue it that way. The council is a legislative body... This body is not allowed to do anything about it by the law. You have to take it up with the police (or) the mayor’s office... If you’re not satisfied there, you will have to take legal action.”

Council also discussed what action to take in addressing disrepair at the waste water treatment plant. They debated whether to appropriate $75,000 out of Sewer Depreciation Funds for repairs at the Waste Water Treatment Plant as mandated by the insurance company.

Safety Director James Pursifull interjected to clarify some remarks in the discussion by council members.

“There’s no way we’re going to spend $75,000. Hopefully we’ll get by cheaper,” said Pursifull.

He added that the council cannot put this work up for bid, adding that the it was up to the plant manager and what he thought “was best for the city of Middlesboro.”

Council member Evelyn Farmer made a motion to table the agenda item addressing whether to give Mayor Hickman and the Sewer Committee power to take whatever steps they deemed necessary to complete needed repairs to the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Council member Ronnie Carter seconded it. All council members approved the motion except Doug Hughes, who abstained.

Council will meet on Friday for a special called meeting at 7 p.m. to further discuss whether to give Mayor Hickman power to make decisions regarding emergency repairs at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

During committee reports, Mills said that it had been called to his attention that people were shooting deer within city limits.

“That’s definitely illegal and if caught, they will be prosecuted to the furthest extent of the law,” said Mills.

Main Street Manager Kassie Hauser said she was applying for a main street grant called “Renaissance on Main.” The grant money will be up to $20,000 and 10 grants will be awarded in the state.

The council also approved reports and several tax refunds.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.