The Seminole County Commission chairman who is accused of striking his son was released from jail Thursday afternoon.

  • John Horan is charged with domestic violence battery
  • Horan enters 'not guilty' plea at first appearance
  • Horan's son files paperwork to decline to prosecute the case

Commissioner Horan was released from jail on his own recognizance after spending more than 24 hours in custody without bond. 

Winter Springs Police Department officers charged Commissioner John Horan at his home on Wednesday morning with domestic violence battery.

Officers say Horan and his son were talking about living arrangements and according to the arrest report, Horan became angry and punched him.

At his first appearance, Horan entered a 'not guilty' plea and waived arraignment, according to the Public Information Officer for State Attorney Phil Archer.

The judge ordered Horan to have no violent contact with his son and allowed Horan to return home.

RELATED: Seminole County Commissioner John Horan accused of domestic violence

While walking out of jail, the commissioner said he didn’t want to talk about specifics of the pending case but did talk some about the incident with his son.

“We’ve had a little bump in our relationship, and I would hope that you would appreciate that we’re going to try to work this out,” Horan said.

Horan's son also reportedly filed paperwork to declining to prosecute the case. However, a spokesperson for the state attorney’s office said the case will proceed for now.

Horan has served nearly two four-year terms as a Seminole County Commissioner, but did not file to run for a third term. His current term runs out in December. 

His arrest Wednesday came as a surprise to many people throughout the county.

“I was blown away, I couldn’t imagine someone like him doing that,” said Jim Hattaway, a Longwood attorney and political analyst. “There are other people you could imagine in politics, but not him; stunned, just stunned.”

As he left the jail, Horan was asked about his future.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Seminole County,” Horan said.