Former Forest Hill Mayor James Gosey has sued the city, City Manager Sheyi Ipaye and former City Council member Damian Dalcour, saying that Dalcour injured him in a fight two years ago at City Hall that Ipaye did nothing to stop.
Gosey, Forest Hill mayor from 2003 until May 2011, when he lost his bid for re-election, filed the suit in Tarrant County district court Friday, almost two years to the day since the fight on March 9, 2011.Gosey's suit says Ipaye did not contact police or attempt to stop the fight, which ended in Ipaye's office.Forest Hill City Attorney Warren Spencer said he could not comment Tuesday because he had not seen the lawsuit. Gosey's attorney, David Fielding, did not return phone calls Tuesday, nor did Dalcour.On the day of the fight, Gosey, who was on suspension at the time for an ethics violation, said he went to City Hall to get forms to file for the upcoming council election. Dalcour was there, talking to Ipaye.According to the suit, Dalcour asked Ipaye what Gosey was doing at City Hall and "angrily" told Ipaye that if he didn't tell Gosey to leave the building, then he would."When Gosey came into the building, Dalcour confronted him and ordered him to leave. This resulted in a physical altercation between Dalcour and [Gosey] resulting in [Gosey] being seriously injured," the suit states.Gosey "required surgeries on his shoulder as a result of the injuries he sustained," the suit states.Gosey is seeking medical expenses, attorneys' fees and punitive damages from Dalcour.The Star-Telegram reported at the time that Gosey said he had an injured tooth and Dalcour said he had a dislocated shoulder. Gosey bit Dalcour's thumb, Dalcour said.Gosey told the newspaper that Dalcour "attacked" him and described wrapping his arms around Dalcour "in a bear hug to control him."Dalcour said he struck Gosey and Gosey hit him. Dalcour was charged with Class A misdemeanor assault with bodily injury. His trial is set for May 10. The maximum sentence is a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.Elizabeth Campbell, 817-390-7696Twitter: @fwstlizHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
