CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Coral Gables police Chief Ed Hudak issued a cryptic statement Wednesday confirming that an “incident” happened at city hall this week, saying his department’s internal affairs unit is now investigating, but not saying who was involved.
Later on Wednesday, City Commissioner Melissa Castro, in a brief statement, confirmed that the “incident” in question involved Mayor Vince Lago and City Manager Amos Rojas Jr.
Lago released a statement Wednesday that said, “I categorically refute any allegation regarding an altercation at city hall, especially since there is a witness (The Assistant City Manager) who can corroborate this. This is nothing more than political theater.”
Local 10 News attempted to contact Rojas seeking comment.
Rojas, appointed in February, has a law enforcement background, including as a U.S. Marshal.
Lago was one of two commissioners to vote against hiring Rojas. At the time, the mayor said he looked forward to working with Rojas, but voted no because he said he had just met him an hour earlier.
Rojas’ appointment came after commissioners voted to fire City Manager Peter Iglesias.
A city spokesperson referred Local 10 News to Hudak’s statement when asked for further comment on the incident.