Oscar Ortiz and the second phone call

A former mayor of Port Arthur who is once again running for the position has provided specifics to KFDM News of a second phone call he made to the Port Arthur Fire Department. The conversations have drawn the attention of the D.A.'s office.

Last Friday Ortiz told KFDM News he made angry statements on the phone because he received a warning sticker on his car while parked at Port Arthur City Hall. He said no one else who parked in the fire lane got one.

The calls were recorded and the D.A's office says it will investigate.

"I was mad in a heated moment," Ortiz told KFDM News on Friday.

Ortiz called the Fire Department.

He told us he asked, "What moron put that sticker on my car? I'll come down there and make you lick it off."

Ortiz apologized for the statement.

On Tuesday Ortiz told KFDM News he made a second call a few minutes later.

He says he talked to Chief Larry Richard, and Ortiz' recollection is he said, "If he doesnt remove the sticker I'll kick his ass." Ortiz told us he was referring to Fire Marshal Mark Mulliner.

During our telephone conversation Tuesday with Ortiz, KFDM asked if he really planned to carry out his threat? His response?

"No. I'm 72 years old. I can't kick anyone's ass. I don't know if I can reach that high." Ortiz said he was referring to Mulliner's head.

Ortiz says he doesn't remember making a third call.

The Jefferson County District Attorney will have to decide whether the statement is a terroristic threat.

District Attorney Tom Maness--who's also up for re-election--says he'll wait until after the May municipal elections.

With an investigation pending, the recordings--public records--can be kept sealed.

So voters may not hear what's on the recordings until after the election.

For now, the mayoral candidate is choosing to apologize, face the matter head on and move forward.

KFDM News has filed a Freedom of Information request for the recordings.

Police Chief Mark Blanton says all incoming and outgoing calls at the Port Arthur Police and Fire Departments are recorded.

Port Arthur Fire Chief Larry Richard says he'll wait for the outcome before commenting.

Mayor Deloris "Bobbie" Prince is seeking re-election. Former Port Arthur councilman Willie Lewis Junior and Lowra Reado have also filed.