Miami-Dade Sheriff's lieutenant relieved of duty after nightclub assault arrest; denies allegations
A Miami-Dade Sheriff's lieutenant with more than 30 years of law enforcement service was arrested Monday after allegedly assaulting a woman he met at a Miami nightclub, according to his arrest report.
Daniel Chala, 54, faced battery and false imprisonment charges after the woman accused him of attacking her at his apartment following a night out at E11EVEN MIAMI.
Miami judge drops false imprisonment charge, sets $1,000 bond
During a bond court hearing Tuesday, Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer found probable cause for the battery charge but said there was no probable cause for the false imprisonment charge. Bond was set at $1,000, and Chala was ordered to stay at least 500 feet away from the woman and have no contact with her whatsoever.
Woman says Chala put her in chokehold, ignored pleas to stop
According to his arrest report, Chala and the woman went back to his Miami apartment after meeting at the club. Once there, the woman said she removed her shoes, sat on his bed, and after they kissed, got up to leave. She alleged Chala then put his arm tightly around her neck.
At first, she said she went along with it, but as his grip tightened, she begged him to stop. According to police, she dropped to the floor and crawled toward the door, screaming for help, before Chala finally let go.
A neighbor who answered her door told officers the woman had blood coming from her mouth. Police observed visible marks on her neck and chin and noted she had a broken pinky fingernail and a partially broken ring fingernail.
Chala denies assault, says woman left on her own
Chala denied the allegations, telling investigators he had invited the woman over but later asked her to leave because he was tired. He said she exited the apartment voluntarily.
After being released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, Chala spoke briefly with CBS News Miami.
"They dropped the major felony charge and I plan to definitely contest the battery," Chala said. "I did not squeeze that woman's neck like she said. It's definitely lies on her part which we are going to discuss when we go to court. I did not engage in any kind of battery or rough play with her at all. It was just a matter of her leaving my apartment when she didn't want to."
Sheriff Cordero-Stutz calls allegations disappointing; deputy relieved of duty
In a statement, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said, "I am disappointed to learn that one of my deputies has been arrested. I expect every member of this office to conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the oath they have taken. When someone falls short of those expectations, it tarnishes our profession and the public's trust."
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said Chala has been relieved of duty with pay pending the outcome of the case.
