Orange County

Winter Park police chief resigns week after domestic violence arrest

Winter Park police chief arrested on domestic violence charges

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park Police Chief Michael Deal submitted a letter of resignation on Wednesday.

Last week, Deal was arrested on a charge of domestic violence and placed on paid leave by the department.

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“I want to thank Chief Deal for his service to the City of Winter Park. I wish him well in his future endeavors,” City Manager Randy Knight said in a statement.

Knight said the city will start the hiring process for a new police chief as soon as possible.

READ: Winter Park police chief bonded out after facing judge for domestic violence charge

The city said Division Chief Pam Marcum will continue to serve as acting police chief until further notice.

Read Deal’s letter of resignation in full below:

Records show Seminole County deputies were called to Deal’s home last week after an argument ensued involving Deal, his wife and their daughters regarding infidelity and integrity issues in the marriage.

READ: Winter Park police chief faces judge after being arrested on domestic violence charges

He told deputies his wife and daughters were yelling at him, and he wanted to get away from the argument and didn’t touch anyone.

However, the others told deputies he grabbed his wife “by the wrist and slung/pushed her out of his way toward the pantry.”

READ: FDLE investigating after officer says Winter Park police chief, wife tried to ‘harass, belittle, influence’ him

Deal bonded out of jail on Thursday.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.

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