Atlanta, GA, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Police Officer Garrett Rolfe has been charged with simple battery following an off-duty incident at X Midtown, involving a bar employee. Witnesses reported Rolfe was the aggressor in a confrontation that led to both him and the employee being charged with battery. Rolfe, who has a controversial history, has been placed on administrative leave and an internal investigation is underway. The incident raises further concerns about police conduct in the community.
Atlanta – Atlanta Police Officer Garrett Rolfe has been charged with simple battery following an off-duty incident at a bar in the early hours of June 29, 2023. The altercation occurred around 1:30 a.m. at X Midtown, located on Piedmont Avenue NE, involving Rolfe and a bar employee named Raefeael Penrice, age 52. Witnesses indicated that Rolfe was the aggressor during the confrontation.
Alongside Rolfe, Penrice was also charged with both battery and simple battery as a result of the incident. Bodycam footage from the event has surfaced, showing a chaotic scene where a deputy from South Carolina was rescued with Narcan, further highlighting the volatile situation that unfolded.
Following the altercation, Rolfe was placed on administrative leave by the Atlanta Police Department, with an internal investigation initiated to look into the circumstances surrounding the fight. His prior history includes a controversial role in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in 2020, where a special prosecutor later deemed his use of force justified. Despite being fired shortly after that incident, Rolfe was reinstated when an oversight panel concluded he had been dismissed without due process.
Rolfe has been booked on the battery charge and subsequently released on a $2,000 bond. The Atlanta Police Department has indicated that they will forward all gathered evidence related to this case to the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office for further review. In response to the incident, James Nelson, the owner of the bar, emphasized the importance of holding Rolfe accountable, echoing sentiments of the community regarding police conduct.
In his defense, Rolfe claims that he was attacked by Penrice, asserting that he was merely acting in self-defense throughout the incident. The police took swift action, issuing an arrest warrant for Rolfe, who later turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail.
This incident reflects ongoing concerns surrounding officer conduct in Atlanta, especially in light of previous high-profile cases of police violence and subsequent community protests. The ramifications of Rolfe’s actions are still unfolding as the community and department grapple with issues of accountability and transparency within police conduct.
Background Context
The recent incident marks another troubling chapter in Atlanta’s relationship with law enforcement. The community has expressed heightened awareness and scrutiny regarding police actions, following events that have sparked protests and calls for reform. The involvement of officers in conduct outside of their official duties continues to raise questions about accountability and the trust between law enforcement and the community they serve.
FAQ
What was the incident involving Officer Garrett Rolfe?
Garrett Rolfe was involved in an off-duty bar fight at X Midtown where he was charged with simple battery after witnesses reported he was the aggressor in the altercation.
What charges were filed against Raefeael Penrice?
Raefeael Penrice, a bar employee involved in the incident, was charged with both battery and simple battery.
What is Officer Rolfe’s prior history?
Rolfe was involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in 2020, which was later justified by a special prosecutor. He was initially fired but reinstated after an oversight panel’s ruling on due process violations.
What actions has the Atlanta Police Department taken following the incident?
The Atlanta Police Department has placed Rolfe on administrative leave and has initiated an internal investigation. Evidence gathered will be reviewed by the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office.
What was the community response to the incident?
The bar owner and community members have expressed support for holding Rolfe accountable, reiterating concerns about police conduct and accountability.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Garrett Rolfe
- WRDW
- Google Search: Garrett Rolfe bar fight
- Atlanta News First
- Google Scholar: Garrett Rolfe
- WSB TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: police conduct
- 11 Alive
- Google News: Atlanta police
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
