Police: No domestic violence charges against Edsel Ford II

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. – Ford Motor Co. board member Edsel Ford II will not face charges following a domestic violence incident involving his wife at their suburban Detroit home, officials said Tuesday.

A Grosse Pointe Farms city attorney denied a warrant and charges after determining there was insufficient evidence to prosecute, police said. Cynthia Ford also declined to pursue charges against her husband.

Edsel Ford II was arrested late Monday night at his Grosse Pointe Farms home after police were called. There was evidence of an altercation, which was enough for police to make an arrest for domestic violence, but Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Director Daniel Jensen told reporters that the physical assault “was very minor.”

“There was no knock-down, drag-out battle here. But hands were placed,” Jensen said. “That takes it from the level of a verbal assault to a physical assault.”

Jensen also said alcohol was involved.

Edsel Ford II is the son of Henry Ford II and great-grandson of the automaker’s founder, Henry Ford. His cousin is Ford Motor Co. Chair William Clay Ford, Jr.

“We are aware of what has been reported in the press, but it would be inappropriate to comment on personal matters,” the company said Tuesday in a statement.

In a statement released Tuesday by an attorney on behalf of her and Edsel Ford II, Cynthia Ford said that “contrary to reports,” the incident was not a “case of domestic violence.”

“I stand behind true victims of domestic violence and I am not one of them,” Ford said. “We are working in the right direction to heal from this experience and move forward.”