Shelby County businessman Matthew Barnes was arrested after sending a profanity-laced text to Helena Mayor Brian Puckett, accusing him of wanting control of the police department. The arrest has sparked controversy and chatter among Helena residents on social media, just five months before elections. Barnes claims his text was not threatening, but Puckett felt physically threatened and filed a police report. Barnes turned himself in to the sheriff’s office and plans to fight the misdemeanor charge of harassing communications. Puckett denies any political motives in filing the report, stating that the DA deemed the threats credible. The court ordered Barnes to have no contact with the mayor, as the case is being handled by Shelby County. Both men have stated their intent to fight their respective positions, with Barnes calling for Puckett’s resignation. Helena will see new leadership this year as Puckett announced he will not seek reelection. Barnes, a Marine veteran with a history of community service, remains adamant in his protest against what he sees as a dictatorship in Helena City Hall. The situation has brought attention to the direction of city hall and sparked discussions about the future leadership of the fast-growing Birmingham suburb.
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