Washington, Deputy Mayor of DC for Public Safety and Justice resigned from his post after being charged with assault on Oct. 1, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced at a press conference Wednesday.
Christopher Geldart, 53, what accused of assault after allegedly grabbing the neck of Dustin Woodward, who is a trainer at a Gold’s Gym in Arlington, Virginia.
Arlington police say Geldart allegedly hit Woodward’s girlfriend’s car with his car door while opening it, leading to an argument.
After the incident, Geldart was placed on leave while an investigation took place.
DC DEPUTY MAYOR CHARGED AFTER ALLEGED ASSAULT Caught ON CAMERA, BOWSER DODGES QUESTIONS OVER VIDEO
Washington, DC, Deputy Mayor Chris Geldart answers questions at an earlier unrelated press conference.
(FOX 5 DC)
On Wednesday, Bowser announced at a press conference that Geldart had submitted a letter of resignation.
“I am saddened to say that I have accepted the resignation of Deputy Mayor Chris Geldart. But I am proud of the work we have done together over the past eight years, and I am immensely grateful to Chris for his service to the city. .,” Bowser said. “Chris has been a very competent and efficient public servant, and I have come to know him over the years in a number of roles.”
“We both agree that the focus should be on the big issues affecting DC,” Bowser added.
When Bowser first saw a video of the incident by FOX 5 on October 5, she attempted to ignore it.
“I haven’t seen it, and I won’t comment…” Bowser said.
FOX 5 DC has obtained surveillance video showing an alleged assault by Washington, DC, Deputy Mayor Chris Geldart outside a gymnasium.
(FOX 5 DC)
“You are watching it now,” replied the journalist, showing him the video.
“Actually, I asked you earlier so I could review it, and that’s where I’ll be reviewing it — in my office,” Bowser replied.
“So, are you going to tell us about it later some other time?” asked the reporter. “No, I probably won’t,” Bowser said. “Because I asked you for information you had, and you didn’t give it to me.”
After dodging questions from FOX 5, Bowser’s office released a statement about the incident.
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The Washington, D.C. deputy mayor for public safety and justice has resigned from his post after being charged with assault on Oct. 1, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced at a press conference Wednesday.
(Brian Stukes/Getty Images)
“We take any accusation seriously and are reviewing the case. While it is under review, deputy mayor Geldart is on leave. Unfortunately, this sounds like something that happens to a lot of people – a dispute over something minor – and we hope it will be resolved soon,” Bowser’s office said.
Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.