Dora, AL - The police chief in the City of Dora is on administrative leave after a Sumiton man says the chief ran him over in an unmarked police car. 

Tuesday night, Dora City Council members voted to put Chief John Jackson on leave, with pay, pending the investigation. The case is now being handled by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.

Witnesses say the incident happened Monday in front of the East Walker Wrecker Service Shop in Sumiton. Ralph Shoemaker's attorney, Garve Ivey, says Jackson and his client got in a heated argument in the wrecker shop's parking lot. Ivey says "the police chief got in his car and with the door open, put it in reverse, backed up and "drug" Ralph across the parking lot with a police car."

Ivey says his client was scraped, beaten and bruised. He says Shoemaker was treated at UAB and is now back home with his family.

"We will be filing a civil claim against the chief and the City of Dora. He was in his police car, in his uniform with his badge and handgun. He appeared to be on the job and on duty when this occurred," says Ivey.

*Update: The chief, who did not respond to calls on both Monday and Tuesday, contacted ABC 33/40 Wednesday morning.  He confirmed he is on administrative leave.  However, he said he is still allowed to work.  He is not allowed, though, to drive his patrol car.  We will have further updates as more information becomes available.

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