Off-Duty Atlanta Police Officer on Leave Following Street Altercation, Man Charged with Battery

An altercation on the streets of Atlanta has led to the temporary sidelining of an off-duty police officer. On Sunday, a verbal dispute at X Midtown on 990 Piedmont Avenue NE spiraled into a physical confrontation, landing one individual in custody and an APD officer on administrative leave.

According to an Atlanta Police Department release, the incident, occurring around 1:28 AM, involved Garrett Rolfe, a 32-year-old Atlanta police officer who was off duty, and 52-year-old Raefeael Penrice. Subsequent to the on-site investigation, Penrice was arrested for Simple Battery and Battery and was processed at the Fulton County Jail. Officer Rolfe, having been identified as part of the scuffle, was placed on paid leave as of Sunday pending further inquiry into the matter.

The Atlanta Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards is investigating Officer Rolfe’s conduct, while a separate APD inquiry continues to examine the broader incident. As per department policy, Rolfe remains on paid leave during the investigation.