Mayor Young grabbed while leaving East Memphis restaurant

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor Paul Young and his security detail had an interaction with a man at an East Memphis restaurant that prompted the mayor to be removed from the scene Monday night.

According to spokesperson Penelope Huston, a man grabbed Mayor Young as he was leaving dinner at Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House and attempted to force his way into the Mayor’s vehicle.

The Mayor’s security detail was able to prevent the man from entering the vehicle and the Mayor was removed from the scene.

The man has since been identified as James Banks.

He was arrested that night on suspension of misdemeanor disorderly conduct and public intoxication, according to court records.

Officers first approached Banks at 9:58 p.m. and reportedly gave him multiple opportunities to leave the area, but he refused to leave in his car because he was intoxicated.

Officers arrested Banks after he refused to follow “lawful orders” and attracted a crowd, the affidavit said.

Mayor Young was not injured.

Young, speaking Friday morning on Live At 9, said the interaction started with a handshake, but said the other man didn’t want to end the conversation. Young said the man appeared to have had a few too many drinks.

The incident was over quickly, he said.

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