WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park Police Chief Michael Deal resigned from the department Wednesday, a week after he was arrested on a domestic violence charge in Seminole County.
What You Need To Know
- Winter Park Police Chief Michael Deal was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge after an argument with his wife on Jan. 19
- He is accused of pushing her during the confrontation
- After being placed on administrative leave after his arrest, Deal gave the city his letter of resignation Wednesday
- Scroll down to read the resignation letter
He was placed on administrative leave after the arrest.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Winter Park City Manager Randy Knight confirmed that Deal had stepped down as chief.
"I want to thank Chief Deal for his service to the city of Winter Park. I wish him well in his future endeavors," Knight wrote.
The city will begin the process of filling the police chief position as soon as possible.
"Division Chief Pam Marcum will continue to serve as acting police chief until further notice."
According to the arrest report in the case, Deal allegedly grabbed his wife "by the wrist and slung/pushed her out of his way" during an argument.
His two daughters told Seminole County Sheriff's Office investigators that they saw the incident happen.
According to the report, Deal confirmed that there was an argument and said his wife and daughters were yelling at him ahead of the alleged incident.
"He wanted to get away from the situation, but (his wife) was attempting to continue the argument," the report said. "John stated he attempted to get around her, but he never laid a hand on her."
Deal was released from the Seminole County Jail on Jan. 20, on a $500 bond, court records show.
He is facing a misdemeanor battery charge.
In the resignation letter Deal gave to Knight on Wednesday, he pointed to the work he did at the Winter Park Police Department while chief.
"I am leaving this agency at the highest level of policing, to include Community Service, Public Trust, and Integrity," he wrote. "The morale in the agency could not be better. The agency is fully staffed with police officers and the future is bright with young leadership ready to take over."
Deal went on to say that he was "very proud of the men and women that make up the Winter Park Police Department. They are the best of the best. I want to thank them for their unwavering dedication, support, and friendship."
He closed out the letter by talking about his next steps.
"After 40 years of dedicated law enforcement, I am truly excited about what the future holds for me and my family," he wrote. "We definitely look forward to the next chapter in our lives."
Deal's next scheduled court date is a Feb. 18, arraignment.
-
