MOUNT PLEASANT — Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Bobby Utsey has resigned a week after he was charged with attacking a woman in what police called a road rage incident.

"My actions were uncalled for and out of line," Utsey wrote in a statement released Tuesday by the town.

Utsey was arrested on Aug. 1 after he punched a Charlotte, N.C., woman visiting the area in the face at a stoplight after the two crossed the Ravenel Bridge, police said.

After she was punched through the window, the woman got out of her car to defend herself, and was punched again. The woman said she tried to kick her attacker but he grabbed her foot. She broke free and he drove away, according to the police report.

Utsey was angry because the woman had cut him off on the bridge that connects Charleston to Mount Pleasant, authorities said. Mount Pleasant police charged him with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and driving under the influence.

"To the two ladies that I thrust into such an ugly situation, I offer my deepest and most sincere apologies. I respectfully ask for their mercy and forgiveness," Utsey wrote. "I am genuinely sorry for the way I acted and accept full responsibility for my improper conduct."

Utsey had served two four-year terms on council, and was seeking a third term in next month's elections.

Utsey said he also called Mayor Harry Hallman Jr. and council members to apologize.

Hallman wrote Utsey a letter shortly after the incident advising him to resign and take some anger management classes.

"When you are an elected official, you are held to a higher standard. If you fail to meet that standard, then it's time to go. He realized that it was time to go, too," Hallman said after Utsey resigned.

In his statement, Utsey said he would concentrate on getting his life back together and said only he was to blame for what happened.

"The events of last Tuesday have led to the most painfully embarrassing moments of my life," Utsey wrote. "My unthinking and intolerable actions have been a nightmare. I have let the Town of Mount Pleasant, my family, my friends, my supporters down."

Information from: The Post and Courier