City calls for special meeting in Mark Bruning Case

The Guthrie City Council has called for a special meeting next week involving the case with terminated Guthrie police officer Mark Bruning.

On Tuesday night, the Guthrie City Council unanimously voted to authorize City staff to negotiate a settlement with the officer, who was terminated in Oct. 2013 following the Mumford and Sons concert in Sept. 2013.

On Thursday, the City announced a special meeting for Monday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. The agenda item reads: Consider approval to convene into Executive Session pursuant to the Authority of Title 25, O.S. 2001, 307(B)(4) for the purpose of discussing confidential communications between the City Council and its Attorney concerning a pending
investigation or claim (Mark Bruning – Case No. 114,698). Afterwards, the council will consider action.

Bruning was accused of abusing his power when he had his wife’s ex-husband (Kyle White) arrested at the Sept. 2013 Mumford & Sons concert. Related story: Guthrie police officer terminated on Monday

White requested $125,000 from the City in compensation for the arrest. The two parties reached an agreement, but those details have never been released publicly.

Arbitrator Mark Reed found fault in both parties and ruled the City of Guthrie wrongfully terminated Bruning and that he be suspended for six months without pay. In addition, the City was to reinstate Bruning back to the department in the same position (lieutenant) when he was terminated along with back pay. Related story: Arbitrator finds fault in firing of police officer; Bruning cleared to go back to work

However, the City appealed the arbitration to District Court in Logan County and lost the appeal when a judge ruled In December 2015 the arbitrator did not go outside his scope or the collective bargaining agreement in making his decision.

Again, the City appealed that decision. The latest was with the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals and, once again, the City lost the appeal.

For all articles regarding this case click here.