By Craig Anderson

This story has been updated

CAMDEN — Town police filed a crime report Feb. 26 that named Mayor Justin T. King as a suspect in an alleged physical altercation the day prior.

The incident, under investigation by the Attorney General's Office, took place at 8:20 p.m. Feb. 25 and involved a 19-year-old Dover male and Mr. King, the report stated. It was described by police as “Disorderly at Mr. Tire.”

According to Camden police, the incident was "minor" but left the teen with "scratches around (his) neck."

The account listed the weapon as “Personal Weapons Hands/Feet.”

No charges have been filed, but the description of the crime in the report was misdemeanor offensive touching.

In the report, the 19-year-old male was listed as a suspect, as well.

An attempt to reach Mr. King, 40, for comment was unsuccessful Friday.

In the report, a Magnolia address was listed in Mr. King's personal information. His resident status was described as full-time resident.

Also Friday, Camden Police Chief Marcus Whitney said, “The Camden Police Department has to look at the optics, so the Attorney General’s Office is handling the investigation that’s active and ongoing.

“There doesn’t need to be any question of impropriety within the town’s government.”

Attorney General's Office spokesman Mat Marshall said on Friday that the Delaware State Police are reviewing the matter as well. 

Fleur McKendell, president of the Central Delaware branch of the NAACP, said she emailed Mr. King on March 1, expressing concern about the reported incident.

Ms. McKendell pledged that the NAACP would support anyone who may have been victimized and investigate the matter.

The email was copied to the Attorney General's Office, which the NAACP requested take over the investigation. Ms. McKendell said she had reservations about a supposed “severe conflict of interest” the Camden Police Department would potentially have.

After attending Camden’s Town Council meeting Monday, Ms. McKendell again voiced concern to officials via email, regarding public comments made by some citizens. She said she is worried about potential retaliation by town officials, employees and affiliates.

Mr. King responded with an email to Ms. McKendell on Wednesday, saying, “There will never be retaliation or reprisals when members of the public exercise their First Amendment rights at Council meetings.”

He added, “Everyone got a chance to speak (at the meeting), including those that addressed topics well beyond the scope of the meeting agenda. Some addressed us more than once. We encourage participation from citizens. It is the heartbeat of democracy.”