From last night, here's video footage former Danbury Mayor Gene Eriquez temporarily stepping down as chairman of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee.

UPDATE Text of Eriquez's remarks:

With the underlying events of this past weekend, the issues at hand are ones I am taking very seriously. I have taken steps to address my personal issues and will act accordingly. No one is perfect and every marriage of relationship has its ups and downs. While this event has clearly presented a challenge in our lives, I am committed to weathering this storm and to work with my family on our relationship. I ask for your consideration and compassion, for while I have chosen to often live a public life, my family has not. Although some statements and allegations printed are not accurate, on the advice of counsel and for the sake of my family, I will not comment at this time. Temporarily, I will step aside as I focus on my personal and family issues. Our vice chair will conduct the business of this evening.

Ryser, NewsTimes 05.18.16:

Gene Eriquez stepped aside Wednesday night as the leader of the city’s Democratic Party to focus on personal and legal problems surrounding the domestic violence charge against him.

“The issues at hand are ones that I am taking very seriously,” the 63-year-old former mayor told 50 people at Democratic Town Committee headquarters on Main Street.

“I have taken steps to address my personal issues and will act accordingly,” Eriquez read from a prepared statement. “Temporarily, I will step aside as I focus on my personal and family issues.”

His statement drew a short applause from Democratic Town Committee members and people in the audience — a reflection of the support he enjoys, tempered with concern for the seriousness of the charge.

Eriquez then left the building, declining to say anything more.

[...]

While there was nothing contrite or emotional about Eriquez’s written statement, he did pause to collect his composure after he read “Every marriage or relationship has its ups and downs.”

He then repeated what his lawyer told the judge in court on Monday about wanting to reconcile with his wife.

“While this event has clearly presented a challenge in our lives, I am committed to weathering this storm, and to work with my family on our relationship,” Eriquez read.

Eriquez is accused of punching his wife in the face after an argument escalated into a fight, the police report said. He is accused of kicking the victim in the back, striking her with a kitchen bowl, slapping the side of her head, pushing her down the hallway, and tripping her on steps, police said.

Once during the struggle, he chased his wife down and threw her cell phone to prevent her from calling 911, police said. The victim was later able to lock herself in a bedroom and call for help, according to the report.

In addition to the assault charge, Eriquez was charged with interfering with an emergency call and disorderly conduct — both misdemeanors.

He was too drunk to give a statement at the scene, according to police.

Eriquez’s statement hinted that he had not yet told his side of the story, although it did not elaborate.

“Although some statements and allegations printed are not accurate, on the advice of counsel, and for the sake of my family, I will not comment at this time,” he read.

UPDATE 05/19/16: AHHH! Found the problem that is making my site look wacky on some mobile devices...have to run some tests and do some serious tweaking to this 10 year old web code...hang in there folks! :-)

According to an incident report, police were called to the Eriquez home shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday. Eriquez had come home drunk, the report said, and he and his wife began arguing over money.

When his wife tried to call police, Eriquez chased her down, grabbed her cell phone and threw it down the hallway, the report said. She was eventually able to retrieve the phone, lock herself in a bedroom and call 911, police said.

The victim told police her face felt sore where she had been punched and both her arms felt bruised. The arresting officer noted that she had a red mark and swelling on her nose and forehead, but she told police she did not want medical attention and declined to speak with a domestic violence advocate.

Eriquez was too drunk to give a statement, according to the police report. He was escorted by police to a relative’s home in the city and told not to return to his home or have contact with his wife.

“I think he should step down as party chairman and focus on his personal life. I think he should focus on getting the help he needs.” -State Rep. David Arconti

“I want to be very clear that domestic violence is simply unacceptable, no matter who is involved,” Saadi said. “If the allegations are true, then Mr. Enriquez should tender his resignation as chairman of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee.” - City Council Minority Leader Tom Saadi.

“Domestic violence is terrible and we are all against any domestic violence,” he said. “If the allegations are true, we are going to recommend that the chairman does resign.” -City Councilman Benjamin Chianese.

“I feel horrible for his wife. There’s no tolerance for domestic violence.” -former City Clerk Lori Kaback.