In an incident outside a nightclub on Thursday, Douglas County Probate Judge Christina Peterson was arrested by Atlanta police after allegedly striking an officer. The Atlanta police officer, who was working an approved extra job at the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge, responded to a commotion around 3:18 a.m. According to the department, the officer found security escorting a woman out of the venue and attempted to de-escalate the situation.

As the officer intervened, 38-year-old Peterson, later identified as a Democrat judge, rushed towards the commotion and began screaming at the security guard and the officer, as captured by the officer's body camera footage. Peterson can be seen pushing the officer in the chest and yelling, "Let her f---ing go." She continued to resist the officer's attempts to assist the woman being escorted out, swiping his hands away and pushing him in the chest a second time.

The judge reportedly refused to cooperate with the officer in providing her identity. Additional bodycam footage reveals Peterson using profanity and abusive language towards the officers while in custody, telling them not to touch her and to shut up. Peterson was subsequently taken into custody and arrested on charges of simple battery against a police officer and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

Peterson is being represented by attorney and Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr., who held a press conference alongside Peterson on Friday to address the incident. Arrington stated that Peterson was defending a woman, identified as Alexandria Love, who was allegedly being attacked by an unknown man outside the lounge when the altercation with the officer occurred.

Arrington called for the release of surveillance footage from the lounge, asserting that based on eyewitnesses and video evidence, Peterson should not have been arrested. The attorney's plea comes amidst Peterson's previous controversies as a judge. In April, a Judicial Qualifications Commission panel found Peterson guilty of "systemic incompetence" and recommended her removal from office due to allegations of her failure to fulfill job responsibilities, disregard for courthouse rules, mistreatment of courthouse personnel, and inappropriate social media posts.

The fate of Peterson's judicial career now lies with the Georgia Supreme Court, which will review the panel's recommendation at a later date. Meanwhile, Peterson remains in custody following her arrest and processing at Fulton County Jail.

The release of bodycam footage sheds light on the circumstances surrounding Peterson's arrest, sparking discussions about the appropriate use of force and the responsibility of public officials.