(BENTON, IL) — A Benton man was arrested after he allegedly threw a punch at Benton Mayor Fred Kondritz at Fred’s Super Dollar in Benton around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon. Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens says Albert Smith is facing charges of aggravated battery of a public official. Smith is currently free on bond. Owens says the investigation continues. According to reports, Smith walked up to the mayor and his wife after speaking to him and punched the mayor in his face. Kondritz says the punch landed on his forehead and upper nose. Kondritz then called police and filed a report. Kondritz says he has known Smith for most of his life. According to the Southern Illinoisan, the incident stems from letters to the editor printed by the Southern along with the Benton Evening News.