SANFORD, Fla. — George Zimmerman, who slipped out of jail on $150,000 bail in the early morning darkness, went back into hiding Monday and likely fled to another state to avoid threats as he awaits his second-degree murder trial for the killing of Trayvon Martin.

Later Monday, the Sanford City Commission rejected by a 3-2 vote the resignation of Police Chief Bill Lee Jr., who was roundly criticized for not initially charging Zimmerman and had stepped down temporarily in March he said to let emotions cool.

Even though authorities can pinpoint Zimmerman’s location with a GPS ankle bracelet that he must wear round the clock, the public may not see him again for some time. Zimmerman has waived his appearance at his upcoming arraignment next month, so he can stay underground if he wants.

“He’s doing well, he’s very glad to be out, trying to get settled in, still worried about his safety, but, you know, talking to his family and feeling much better than being in” jail, Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark O’Mara, said Monday night on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360.”

O’Mara declined to say if Zimmerman was in Florida, only saying his client will travel to several locations for his safety.

City rejects police chief’s resignation

Sanford, Fla., city commissioners on Monday rejected the resignation of Police Chief Bill Lee Jr. hours after the resignation was officially announced.

At a special meeting of the commission, members voted 3-2 not to accept Lee’s resignation after the controversial killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26.

— Los Angeles Times