Toronto city Coun. Rob Ford was arrested Wednesday and charged with assaulting his wife and uttering death threats, his lawyer has confirmed.

Lawyer Dennis Morris told CBCNews.ca that his client was arrested in his Etobicoke home mid-morning after being accused of committing an assault earlier that day. Morris said Ford denies the assault ever took place and will plead not guilty.

"Our position is that these offences never did occur," Morris said, noting that in cases of alleged spousal abuse, police are obliged to make an arrest.

"That puts the other party in a very defenceless situation.… Police virtually have their hands tied between a rock and a hard place. They must make an arrest without an investigation."

Toronto police confirmed that Ford was arrested and charged, but would not reveal the identity of his accuser.

Morris said Ford has been released from custody on a promise that he will appear in court on April 28. In the interim, he will most likely continue working at city hall.

Morris noted that the Children's Aid Society was called in to investigate as well, and the agency and the police have given Ford custody of the couple's two young children. Ford and the children will live outside the family home.

Ford told CBC News he did not want to comment on the allegations or charges.

Known for off-the-cuff remarks

Ford, who represents the riding of Etobicoke North, has made headlines as a fiscally prudent councillor who has a reputation for making off-the-cuff and often controversial comments.

Earlier this month, he refused to apologize for urging Torontonians to adopt the work ethic of those in Asian countries, a comment he made during a council debate.

"Those Oriental people work like dogs. They work their hearts out.… They sleep beside their machines. That's why they're successful in life," Ford said.

Ford argued that his comments were meant as a compliment.

He did eventually apologize for causing a drunken disturbance during a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game in 2006, when he shouted out comments like "you right-wing communist bastards."

He's also drawn heat over the years for calling Coun. Gloria Lindsay Luby a "waste of skin" and Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti a "Gino-Boy."