The Virginia police officer who cursed at a group of black middle schoolers and promised to publicly apologize has rescinded the offer.

Richmond police Chief William Smith tells The Richmond Times-Dispatch that the officer, whose name hasn't been released, no longer feels he can handle the large setting.

A March video shows the officer telling the Albert Hill students "wait until your asses turn 18, then you're mine." Student Cameron Hilliard filmed the video and says someone outside of her group yelled an obscenity directed at officers, launching the confrontation.

The officer apologized to the students and their guardians last week and signed an agreement to publicly apologize at a school assembly. The chief says the officer is sorry for not being able to meet with the school.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com