Simple assault charges were filed against Mayor Laurence Leyens Monday night after a tussle at a Vicksburg restaurant between him and a Vicksburg businessman, Police Chief Tommy Moffett said this morning.

Leyens and Vicksburg roofer Robert “Trey” Gordon III, owner of Gordon Roofing Company, exchanged words at El Sombrero, a popular eatery at 1820 S. Frontage Road, before Leyens called 911, Moffett said.

Gordon and a man dining with Leyens and identified only as Mark Corum were taken by Vicksburg Police to headquarters, where both were charged with simple assault. Both were released without bond.

Before leaving the police department, Gordon signed an affidavit charging Leyens with simple assault. Leyens had not been arrested this morning, Moffett said.

“No arrest warrant has been issued,” Moffett said.

Each of the parties said the other provoked the confrontation that led to an open argument inside the restaurant at about 8:15 p.m., Moffett said. “We’re not clear who provoked it,” he said.

Reached by telephone this morning, Leyens said Gordon put his hands around the mayor’s neck. Also reached by phone, Gordon said he never touched the mayor.

Neither witnesses nor restaurant operators were available this morning. The restaurant remained empty at mid-morning.

Moffett said, however, “There is no indication that the mayor physically attacked anyone.”