Evidence found to charge Riviera Beach council members

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office found enough evidence to charge Riviera Beach council members Tradrick McCoy and Douglas Lawson with simple battery, according to an incident report WPTV received on Thursday.

Both men declined to press charges after a fight between the two elected officials occurred after a special council meeting in January. The report also said Lawson’s cornea was cut after surveillance video showed McCoy’s hand, with his pointer finger extending, making contact with Lawson’s face.

Lawson responded by pushing aside Riviera Beach Mayor Ronnie Felder and a security guard, who the report said tried to stop Lawson from reaching McCoy, out of the way and then grabbing McCoy by his collar and holding him in the corner. According to the sheriff’s office, Lawson said he held McCoy until more people could defuse the situation, but a security guard said it appeared to be more aggressive.