HARTS, W.Va. (AP) — A write-in candidate for Lincoln County sheriff is accused of striking the local Democratic Party treasurer in the face at a party rally and was arrested by his opponent, the incumbent sheriff.

Clayton Alford, a 52-year-old retired state police trooper, was charged with assault and battery, authorities said. He is accused of hitting County Administrator Judy Johnson in the face on Saturday.

Lincoln County Sheriff Jerry Bowman, who is running for re-election, took his opponent away in handcuffs. Bowman declined to comment except to confirm that he made the arrest.

Alford said Tuesday that it was an accident and that he believes Johnson, who is the local party treasurer and secretary, intentionally got him riled up to try to damage his election chances.

She started yelling and poking him in the chest and face after she found out he'd tried to enlist one of her friends to help in his campaign, he said.

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Alford said he was swatting Johnson's hand away when he accidentally struck her in the face.

Johnson contends she never touched Alford.