Winter Park Police Chief Michael Deal is free on bond after his arrest on a domestic violence charge.
According to the arrest report, Seminole County deputies responded to a domestic dispute at a Sanford residence, at 6:27 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Deal’s wife told the responding deputies that an argument had ensued between Deal, his wife, and their two daughters. As Deal was walking away towards the kitchen, his wife was trying to speak to him when he “grabbed her by the wrist and slung/pushed her out of his way towards the pantry.”
Both daughters said they witnessed the incident “and wrote sworn statements as to their observations.”
The report also states that Deal said he was trying to get around his wife as she was continuing the argument, but he “never laid a hand on her.” Deal’s attorney said he is not guilty of the charge.
According to a report from WESH 2 News, Deal was released on $500 bond today and ordered to not have any weapons. The judge granted Deal’s wife’s request that he only contact her via text regarding their children and finances.
City of Winter Park Communications & Public Engagement Director Clarissa Howard issued a statement saying Division Chief Pam Marcum is in charge of the department until further notice.
This is a developing story.