Police report filed after two local GOP members have conflict at event

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- The Mishawaka Police Department confirmed it is investigating the incident that happened between two members of the St. Joseph County Republican Party, one of whom is a current St. Joseph County Council member.

According to authorities, council member Dan Schaetzle contacted MPD to file a report, claiming that St. Joseph GOP Vice Chair Joe Layne forcibly took a microphone from him at a joint event. 

According to the report, Schaetzle stated that at the event, he was addressing the crowd, when Layne allegedly snatched the microphone Schatzle was using away from him. Schaetzle said that Layne then shoved him."

MPD says they were not contacted immediately and that the report was not filed roughly hours after the incident.

Schaetzle apparently then sought medical attention on his own due to back pain.

"After Mr. Layne grabbed the [microphone] from me and then lunged at me, striking my chest with his open hands, I did not retaliate. Instead, I tried to finish what I had to say and left the building," Schaetzle said.

"I felt a tweak in my back at the time but didn't think much of it. The ensuing pain did keep me from sleeping and I experienced numbness as well as pain in my right leg. I went to the emergency room on Sunday and will have further treatment in the days to come."

We have reached out to Joe Layne for comment. 

Full statement from St. Joseph County Republican Party Chairwoman Jackie Horvath:

At our recent monthly meeting, personal disagreements unfortunately arose between elected officials, with both exchanging remarks that were not in the spirit of unity and celebration that we had intended for the meeting. As a party, we uphold the highest standards of mutual respect and collaboration among our elected officials, and we do not condone internal conflicts that disrupt our shared goals. In an attempt to manage the situation, the vice chair intervened by removing the microphone. This action was not appropriate for our setting, and we apologize for any discomfort it may have caused.

Our focus now must be on fostering unity within our party to effectively serve our constituents. I encourage all members to set aside personal differences and prioritize our collective mission of conservative governance and community service. Let’s focus on our massive victories, both locally and nationally and not let personalities get in the way.

Thank you for your understanding and for fighting for our values.