KILGORE, Texas — A Kilgore man was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly disrupting a city council meeting and shoving the city’s police chief following a service recognition ceremony.
Eric Brian Trotter, 39, of Kilgore, was taken into custody on February 24 after authorities say he booed during a Kilgore City Council meeting while Police Chief Todd Hunter was being honored for 15 years of service with the Kilgore Police Department.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Trotter addressed council members, stating he believed he had been harassed by the police department and city officials over traffic citations and a recent arrest that went to trial.
According to an arrest affidavit, Chief Hunter later exited the council chambers and stood near a doorway when Trotter approached him. Investigators state Trotter “squared up” with the chief, “puffed out his chest,” and attempted to force Hunter to move. When Hunter did not move, Trotter allegedly “purposely and aggressively bumped into his right shoulder to physically shove him out of the way.”
Officers attempted to place Trotter in handcuffs, and during the struggle Trotter fell to the ground, causing Hunter to fall as well. The affidavit states Hunter further injured his right shoulder during the incident.
Trotter was arrested and transported to the Kilgore Municipal Jail before being booked into the Gregg County Jail on charges of assault on a police officer and obstruction. His bond was set at $35,000.
Chief Hunter later issued a public statement describing the encounter and addressing reports surrounding the incident.
“As your Chief, I want to provide full transparency regarding an incident that occurred Tuesday evening during the City Council meeting,” Hunter said. “After he mockingly booed me during the session, I moved to the lobby to allow the meeting to proceed without distraction.”
Hunter said the individual “intentionally sought me out” and “aggressively bumped his shoulder into my chest.” He added, “I acted to defend myself and quickly took him to the ground, where other officers assisted in the arrest.”
The chief stated he was not blocking any exits and emphasized that the confrontation was witnessed by citizens, clergy, and staff and captured on video. Hunter confirmed he sought medical treatment for a shoulder injury and is currently off duty.
“We will not tolerate being assaulted either and those who do will face the consequences,” Hunter said.
The incident remains under investigation.
