Matthews mayor pro tem arrested on assault charge Saturday

Matthews Mayor Pro Tem Joseph Pata was arrested Saturday on suspicion of assault inflicting serious injury, a misdemeanor charge.

Pata, 54, was arrested after officers were called to his home on Reverdy Oaks Drive on Friday night, according to a Matthews Police Department news release. The Police Department said officers at the scene found a woman who appeared to have injuries stemming from a physical assault.

The woman, who lived with Pata, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening head injuries. According to the Police Department, Pata appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Pata also was placed on a 48-hour domestic-violence hold.

According to Mecklenburg County jail records, Pata was released from jail Monday morning.

Pata is a Bank of America employee. He filed for re-election July 14 for the November vote.

Pata could not be reached for comment Monday.

Pata can’t be removed from office unless convicted of a crime.

Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor said the board of commissioners is considering action regarding Pata’s appointed positions and his status as mayor pro tem, adding that there could be a resolution regarding the matter Wednesday.

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 2:12 PM with the headline "Matthews mayor pro tem arrested on assault charge Saturday."