BURNET, Texas (KXAN) – Burnet police have criminally charged the president of the Burnet County Republican Party organization after witnesses said he repeatedly punched a newspaper reporter on election night.

Johnnie B. Rogers has been charged with injury to an elderly, a third-degree felony. He is expected to turn himself in at the Burnet County Jail Friday morning.

• Police: Burnet GOP leader hits reporter

Burnet Police Chief Paul Nelson was at the Burnet County Republican Party headquarters Tuesday night when the Election results were coming in. Chief Nelson said he saw Rogers start punching Burnet Bulletin reporter James Walker, 65.

Nelson pulled Rogers off of Walker.

After questioning several witnesses, Nelson obtained a warrant for Rogers’ arrest.

Rogers is expected to turn himself in at the Burnet County Jail Friday morning while accompanied by his attorney.