Last modified: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 1:11 AM EDT
John Davis signs started appearing weeks ago. (Staff photo by TOM MAGUIRE)

Davis sign tiff probed

ATTLEBORO - Police are investigating an alleged disturbance involving Wamsutta Middle School students and mayoral candidate John Davis over campaign signs he said had been trashed.

The incident allegedly occurred Monday afternoon when school got out.

Police Captain David Proia said Tuesday that Davis apparently confronted students along Locust Street after he saw them knock down his campaign signs.

"There was a small disturbance," he said.

Proia said he did not want to say too much about the incident because it is still under investigation. Parents and students are being interviewed, he said.

"We want to make sure everyone is treated fairly and we know all the facts," he said.

He did add that as far as he knew, there was "nothing physical" in the incident.

Davis said he welcomed the investigation and hoped it would put an end to the incessant vandalism of campaign signs, especially in the area of Wamsutta Middle School.

He said he "caught some kids breaking some signs" and talked to them about it. He admitted the incident might have gotten heated.

"I certainly didn't threaten them. I probably yelled at them, is a good way of putting it," he said.

He said he cannot remember if he swore at the students, but does not regret what he did.

"In my opinion, there was nothing wrong with my behavior," he said.