A political war of words in Mount Vernon prompted police action Wednesday.

Mount Vernon Democratic Party Chairman Reginald Lafayette and Damon Jones, leader of the Westchester chapter of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America, had a confrontation outside the city's Democratic Party headquarters Wednesday .

Minutes before the melee, Jones held a news conference with several Mount Vernon Democratic candidates, including Councilman Richard Thomas. They called on the Justice Department to investigate Lafayette and the Board of Elections, where he is the Democratic chair, because they believe there is fraud and corruption in the organization.

Lafayette, apparently unaware that the news conference was happening, arrived at the city's Democratic Headquarters and sparks flew.

Police were called to the scene to break things up, and Mayor Ernie Davis, an ally of Lafayette, helped bring calm to the chaotic scene. The incident ended as quickly as it started.

Voters will have the final say when when they head to the polls on Thursday.

Thomas, state Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Mount Vernon Comptroller Maureen Walker and former Mayor Clinton Young are challenging Davis in Thursday's primary.