FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Miramar Commissioner Fitzroy Salesman turned himself in to the Broward County Jail Friday morning. He was booked and released after posting a $5,000 bond, Local 10 reported.

Salesman is charged with a third-degree felony and aggravated battery with a firearm by the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

The charges stem from an incident on Nov. 21 when Salesman was in a Winn Dixie at 3108 S. University Drive after a confrontation with another customer in the store.

Officials interviewed the other customer, Laza Vious Hudson, who said that he was at the store around 10 p.m. and paying for items at the checkout counter. The two allegedly began arguing after Salesman began to talk loudly about the long lines at the store.

The statement continued with Hudson saying that Salesman then stood directly in front of the shopping cart, preventing him from leaving the store. When he became frustrated, Hudson told Salesman that they should "take the argument outside." At one point Salesman brandished a semiautomatic handgun he had tucked into the waistband of his pants, according to police.

Salesman has a concealed weapons permit for the gun, according to police.

Gov. Charlie Crist spoke about the incident and said he has suspended the commissioner.

"I understand that the charges have been elevated," said Crist.

According to a police report, video surveillance shows customers in the store witnessing Salesman taking out the firearm and then the customers running for safety.

Salesman's attorney, Eric Schwartzreich, said that his client was defending himself because he felt threatened.

If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to five years.