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Donald Trump’s campaign manager charged with assault on reporter; video released

Posted at 11:45 AM, Mar 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-29 11:46:56-04

JUPITER, Fla. — Corey Lewandowski, the campaign manager for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday and charged with simple battery, according to police records.

Lewandowski is charged for grabbing and bruising the arm of Michelle Fields, a former reporter at Breitbart, during a campaign event on March 8, according to the police report.

The investigating officer described the investigation of the incident:

“On March 12, 2016, I obtained video footage from Trump Security at Trump National in Jupiter. I specifically obtained vide from the ballroom the night and time in question. The video parallels what Fields told me, in that Trump was walking towards the exit of the ballroom, taking questions, and signing autographs. Fields is seen on video, holding her phone up to Trump, appearing to ask him a question. Trump had looked in her direction, and then Lewandowski extended his left arm out, stepping between Trump and another male subject believed to be U.S. Secret Service. After extending his arm out, Lewandowski appeared to reach for Field’s left arm with his left hand, allowing him to get closer to Fields.

Lewandowski then grabbed Fields left arm with his right hand, causing her arm to turn and step back. This motion cleared a path for Lewandowski to walk past Fields, allowing him to “catch up” and get closer to Trump, who was walking during this entire incident.

Based on the above-described investigation, probably cause exists to charge Corey Lewandowski, DOB 9/18/1973, with (1) count of Simple Battery… in that he did intentionally touch Michelle Fields, DOB 01/10/1988, against the will of Michelle Fields.”

Donald Trump and his campaign issued a statement on Tuesday:

“Mr. Lewandowski is absolutely innocent of this charge. He will enter a plea of not guilty and looks forward to his day in court. He is completely confident that he will be exonerated.”

Developing…

From the Jupiter police, the investigating officer’s description of some of the evidence. pic.twitter.com/le3hNUq6ua

— Jillian Melchior (@JillianKayM) March 29, 2016

Trump Camp statement on Corey Lewandowksi charges pic.twitter.com/Oq6R0QP4rH

— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) March 29, 2016