Douglas County Probate Judge Christina Peterson was arrested outside an Atlanta nightclub after she allegedly struck a police officer and obstructed law enforcement officers. Bodycam footage released by the Atlanta Police Department captured the incident, which occurred shortly after 3:00 AM on Thursday.
Douglas County Probate Judge Christina Peterson has been arrested and charged with battery against a police officer and obstruction of a law enforcement officer following an incident outside an Atlanta nightclub early Thursday morning.
Douglas County Probate Judge Arrested on Battery and Obstruction Charges
According to the Atlanta Police Department, Peterson was involved in a confrontation with police officers outside the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge, where she was allegedly attempting to assist a woman being escorted out of the establishment. Bodycam footage released by the department shows Peterson pushing an officer in the chest and yelling obscenities.
The incident began when an Atlanta police officer, working an approved extra job as security at the nightclub, heard a commotion and approached to investigate. The officer found security escorting a woman out of the venue and attempted to de-escalate the situation. However, Peterson allegedly "rushed toward the commotion and immediately started screaming at the security guard and the officer," according to police.
Douglas County Probate Judge Arrested on Battery and Obstruction Charges
Peterson allegedly pushed the officer in the chest a second time and resisted arrest when the officer attempted to detain her. Bodycam footage shows Peterson cursing at officers while in custody and refusing to cooperate with police.
Peterson was eventually taken into custody and transported to the Fulton County Jail for processing. She was charged with simple battery against a police officer and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
Douglas County Probate Judge Arrested on Battery and Obstruction Charges
Peterson's attorney, Marvin Arrington Jr., held a press conference alongside his client on Friday to address the incident. Arrington claimed that Peterson was attempting to defend a woman who was being attacked by an unknown man outside the lounge.
"Judge Peterson was the only one to help me," said Alexandria Love, the woman Peterson allegedly attempted to assist.
Douglas County Probate Judge Arrested on Battery and Obstruction Charges
Arrington called on the lounge to release its surveillance footage, claiming that Peterson should not have been arrested based on eyewitnesses and video evidence.
Peterson has a history of controversy. In April, she was found guilty of "systemic incompetence" by a Judicial Qualifications Commission panel and recommended for removal from office. The panel cited numerous instances of alleged misconduct, including failing to perform her job duties, ignoring courthouse rules, and posting inappropriately on social media.
Douglas County Probate Judge Arrested on Battery and Obstruction Charges
Peterson's fate as a judge rests with the Georgia Supreme Court, which will consider the panel's recommendation at an unspecified date.
