Rep. Carlos Gimenezs son arrested for slapping Miami commissioner at restaurant

Carlos J. Gimenez, the son of Republican US Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez, was taken into custody on Wednesday after he allegedly slapped a Miami city commissioner during an argument at a steakhouse, police said.

According to the arrest affidavit, the accused, who is a Miami-based attorney, called City Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla an expletive and slapped him on the side of the head with an open hand.

Also Read: Oregon man confronting bear accidentally kills brother, then takes his own life

The alleged attack took place in the city of Coral Gables, a Miami suburb. However, the circumstances leading to the argument were not known. 

US Rep. Gimenez said in an emailed statement that he was aware of the incident. He, however, did not want to further comment on it, saying it was a “personal matter.”

Also Read: $3.6 bln seized in stolen cryptocurrency from arrested New York couple

A Miami police officer was on the commissioner’s detail and held the accused until Coral Gables police officers arrived at the steakhouse and took him into custody. Carlos J. Gimenez is being charged with battery, a first-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, he can face up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.

Also Read: Women’s prison in US fostered culture of abuse, investigation reveals

An investigation into the incident was ongoing and an arrest report said officers reviewed surveillance footage that captured the incident.

Meanwhile, Diaz de la Portilla called Gimenez a “coward” in a statement posted on Twitter.

“It was more like a flick of his wrist from behind me when I was having lunch as he cowardly approached me from behind and ran away. This guy is not known as a very courageous guy. Actually he’s quite a coward and appeared to be under the influence,” he tweeted.