In an interview with WDIV-TV's Carmen Harlan, former Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee apologized for his relationship with a subordinate that forced his resignation.
Godbee said he was "very contrite" about his relationship with Angelica Robinson, the married officer who works in the department's internal affairs section, though he added: "There has never been a love triangle," explaining that a short-lived affair between him and Robinson ended almost a year ago.
"I indicated to her that I was trying to do something different in my life, because I made this mistake before," Godbee told Harlan.
He said he tried to remain friends with Robinson but that was "not possible."
When Godbee entered into a relationship with another woman, he said, "that's when things really went haywire" with Robinson.
Robinson posted a photo on Twitter of herself with a police gun in her mouth after she learned of Godbee's trip to a conference in San Diego with another woman.
The interview, broadcast at 11 p.m. Monday, was Godbee's first public comment since quitting on Oct. 8.
Godbee, who is in the process of getting a divorce, said he's "not proud" of his actions and takes "full responsibility" for them. He says he let down the people who "put a lot of hope" in him.
He also said he is not sleeping with his current girlfriend until his divorce is final.
And he defended sending a squad of Detroit officers into Farmington the night Robinson threatened suicide, saying he would have done the same for any cop who appeared to be in danger.
Detroit has had four police chiefs in less than four years under Mayor Dave Bing.
Assistant Chief Chester Logan was named interim police chief earlier this month by Bing.
