Police said they were called to a radio station after a scuffle broke out Monday between Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, who is running for re-election, and former Dallas council member Dwaine Caraway, who is challenging him.
No arrests were made.
Caraway said the fight erupted during a commercial break when Price became irritated and the two men exchanged words at radio station KHVN, known as Heaven 97. The fight was so serious both men had to be physically restrained by others in the studio.
"He got up out of his chair. Of course when he got up, then of course I did," Caraway said. "We went back and forth with some words. The little campaign worker of mine got into the middle as everyone in the room got in the middle to try to bring calm."
NBC 5 NewsThe campaign volunteer, George Nash, said he was injured when he tried to keep the two candidates apart.
"People were holding back Caraway. I stepped in to hold back Price because he was moving forward," Nash said. "As I was doing that, John reaches around and grabs my neck. I knock his hand down. That's where these scars came from. And then he grabs my arm and pulls me and scratches my arm and tries to throw me up against the wall out of the way."
Nash said he spoke with police and that crime scene investigators took pictures of his injuries. Asked if he would press charges, he said it depends on what happens with the police investigation.
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A Dallas police statement said detectives from the assaults unit of the Crimes Against Persons division are investigating and trying to obtain videos of what happened.
Micah B. Phillips, a candidate who is also challenging Price for his seat, recorded the scuffle between Price and his longtime political rival. Phillips also told The Dallas Morning News that Caraway threatened to kill Price during the incident.
Caraway denied it and said Price was the aggressor.
Phillips said he would share his account of the incident in a news release at 10 a.m. Tuesday. He also said he would release the video of the scuffle he captured.
Price couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Caraway released the following statement on his Facebook page Tuesday.
"There are two sides to every story. We are in complete compliance with the police investigation that is currently taking place. The truth will soon come to light. I appreciate your continued support, and I ask that you forgive me for my actions. I am passionate about my cause, my movement, and my platforms. I do not condone violence, however I will not be subjected to bullying. I am not afraid to stand up for the city of Dallas, Why? Because It's Time!
-D.Caraway"
NBC 5's Todd L. Davis contributed to this report.
