Florida Officer Cleared After Allegedly A$$aulting Trans Woman, State Attorney’s Office Says Alleged Victim Refused To Cooperate

Florida Officer Cleared After Allegedly A$$aulting Trans Woman, State Attorney’s Office Says Alleged Victim Refused To Cooperate

Daniel Chala, a Miami-Dade lieutenant, has been cleared of all charges after being accused of att@cking a transgender woman he met at nightclub E11even.

According to an arrest report, the two met at the club, and when she tried to leave, Chala allegedly invited her back to his place. Once inside his apartment, she said things escalated after they kissed. The victim claimed Chala suddenly put his arm around her neck and began squeezing tighter and tighter, refusing to let go despite her pleas.

She eventually escaped and ran to nearby units for help. One witness told police she heard someone yelling, “This guy is trying to k*ll me; he has my bags.” She said the woman was bleeding from the mouth and had red marks on her neck and chin. Police later arrested Chala and charged him with battery and false imprisonment.

However, prosecutors have now dropped the case. The State Attorney’s Office said, “After numerous attempts to get the victim to cooperate… the victim refused to assist with the case investigation.”

Chala has denied the claims from the beginning. He told NBC6, “It’s definitely lies on her part… I’m most certainly innocent of this and did not engage in any kind of battery or rough play with her at all.”

 

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It’s unclear if Chala will return to his role with the department. He was relieved of duty with pay pending the outcome.

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VIA: NBC6