Johns Creek city manager cleared of assault allegations

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Johns Creek police have declined to pursue criminal charges against the city manager after a citizen accused him of assault.

Jerry Bush says it happened Oct. 7 during a heated argument with John Kachmar outside of City Hall.

"He said two or three different things," Bush tells Channel 2's Mike Petchenik. "On the last one, to make his point, is when he poked me in the chest."

Bush says the argument was sparked after Kachmar called another citizen a liar for comments she'd made during the preceding city council meeting. Bush admits to Petchenik that he cussed at Kachmar, but says he didn't deserve what he got in return.

"I don't think anyone who works for the city, or any citizen of Johns Creek, should have to put up with that type of behavior," he says. "The way he reacted to me was unprofessional and inappropriate."

Police tells Petchenik they interviewed nearly a dozen witnesses as part of the investigation.

"Each of the witnesses said they were present for the verbal altercation that took place, however, none of them could corroborate Mr. Bush's allegation," says Lt. Chris Byers.

Byers says police contacted the Fulton County solicitor with the information, but based on witness accounts, he says there wasn't probable cause for their involvement.

Byers says Bush still reserves the right to take out a Fulton County warrant, but at this point he doesn't intend to do so.

"Basically, it's between him, me, and God," he says. "That's what it's come down to."

Bush says he's hopeful the city council will address Kachmar's use of expletives and raising his voice at citizens, and says he plans to pursue an ethics complaint against Kachmar now that the criminal case has concluded.

Through a city spokeswoman, Kachmar declined to comment on the police department's decision. Rosemary Taylor says he would let the police reports speak for themselves. Taylor says Kachmar believes the situation spun out of control because of political reasons.

WSBTV