Mayfield's son admits to damaging Fleischmann staffer's tire

Scottie Mayfield's son has confessed to damaging Rep. Chuck Fleischmann's campaign manager's tire during a Mayfield campaign event earlier this week.

Mayfield is challenging Fleischmann for Tennessee's 3rd District seat in Congress.

Michael Mayfield admitted to Kingston police that he damaged Tyler Threadgill's tire Tuesday outside the Roane County Courthouse. Mayfield was holding a political event that Threadgill as well as other Fleischmann staffers attended. Police say the incident is caught on tape.

In a statement Mayfield said, "On behalf of my family and my campaign, I want to apologize to Mr. Threadgill, Rep. Fleischmann and to the voters for this act. I am truly sorry and embarrassed. Michael will be making his own apology to Mr. Threadgill and has made several attempts to reach him by phone today. Michael is prepared to make full restitution for the damage that was done to Mr. Threadgill's tire."

Mayfield's statement continued, "This kind of activity has no place in campaigns, and we are regretful that it happened."

Fleischmann's campaign responded, "We understand they have apologized, but the question is: Did they do so because they are sorr, or is it politically motivated because they got caught? Just yesterday, the Mayfield campaign, including the candidate, said it was not them and they did not know anything about it. Just last week their political consultant said they would not engage in this kind of dirty politics, and now they have. Is this indicative of how the entire Mayfield campaign will be run?'"

Police say they will issue Michael Mayfield with a citation for vandalism. He confessed Thursday morning and was released.

This article is published with permission of NewsChannel 9.