Authorities in Georgia have brought charges against a judge who allegedly got into a physical altercation with a police officer outside a nightclub. According to the Independent, the incident involving Douglas County probate Judge Christina Peterson and the police officer in question happened outside the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge around 3 a.m. on June 20.
Authorities allege the police officer was “forcibly” pushed by Peterson, and the City of Atlanta Police Department later released body camera footage of the incident. In the footage, Peterson is seen involving herself in what looks like a fracas as a different woman is being escorted out of the venue. Peterson is later seen on the floor and being handcuffed by the officer. An officer is also heard repeatedly saying that he was “punched.”
“On June 20th, 2024, at approximately 3:18am, an Atlanta Police officer working an approved extra job… overheard a commotion nearby and went to investigate. During this time, he noticed security at the location escorting a female out of the venue,” police said in a statement.
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“While assisting security and attempting to de-escalate the situation, an unidentified female, later identified as 38-year-old Christina Peterson rushed toward the commotion and immediately started screaming at the security guard and the officer.
“Ms Peterson then forcibly pushed the officer in the chest and kept swiping his hands away as he attempted to assist the female being escorted out. Ms Peterson pushed the officer in the chest again and that is when she was subsequently placed into custody.”
Authorities also said Peterson did not comply when she was asked to identify herself. She was later seen in the back seat of a squad car and heard telling the arresting officer, “f**k you.”
Peterson was ultimately taken to jail and charged with simple battery against a police officer and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. She was later released on a $5,000 bond.
But the local judge’s lawyer said that the police statements on the incident had “inconsistencies” and he is confident authorities will ultimately dismiss the charges against her, the Independent reported.
Though the arresting officer is heard saying he was repeatedly “punched” in the footage, the APD in its statement said he was pushed on two occasions. “We know the information that was provided to the judge is being changed or updated,” Peterson’s attorney, Marvin Arrington, said, adding that cellphone video shows that the officer was never assaulted by his client.
“There’s no punching or hitting of any officers,” he said. Arrington also described Peterson as a good Samaritan who had stepped in to break up a fight after a woman was attacked by a man.
