ATLANTA, Ga. — An Atlanta police officer previously involved in the 2020 fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks was arrested in an off-duty altercation at a Midtown bar.
According to Atlanta police, officers responded around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025 to X Midtown, located at 990 Piedmont Avenue NE, following reports of a physical confrontation.
Authorities identified those involved as 52-year-old Raefeael Penrice and Atlanta Police Officer Garrett Rolfe.
Details of the Altercation
Police reports state that Officer Rolfe was off duty at the time of the incident. According to the arrest warrant:
- Rolfe was at the bar with a friend
- The friend allegedly took a photo of a bartender and accused her of overcharging him
- A friend of the bartender approached and asked for the photo to be deleted
Witness statements indicate that tensions escalated during the interaction.
- Witnesses told police Rolfe and his friend became aggressive toward the bartender’s friend
- Penrice was asked to escort the men out of the establishment
- Multiple witnesses reported that Rolfe and his friend began striking Penrice, resulting in a physical altercation
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Conflicting Accounts
According to police documentation, Rolfe provided a different account of the incident.
- Rolfe told responding officers that Penrice struck him first
- He stated he acted in self-defense
At the scene, Penrice was arrested and charged with battery and simple battery. Officer Rolfe was not charged at that time.
Approximately one month later, Rolfe was charged with battery in connection with the same incident.
Arrest and Administrative Status
Jail records indicate that Rolfe was booked on the battery charge on Wednesday and later released on a $2,000 bond.
Atlanta police confirmed that Rolfe was placed on administrative leave shortly after the incident.
- Rolfe remains on administrative leave
- An internal investigation is ongoing
- Police stated they are awaiting the outcome of judicial proceedings
Background: Rayshard Brooks Shooting
Officer Garrett Rolfe was previously involved in the June 12, 2020 shooting death of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks outside a Wendy’s restaurant on University Avenue in southeast Atlanta.
According to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and video evidence:
- Officers responded to a complaint of a vehicle blocking a drive-thru lane
- A physical struggle occurred when officers attempted to detain Brooks
- Brooks obtained a Taser during the struggle and fled
- Authorities stated Brooks fired the Taser at an officer while running
- Rolfe discharged his firearm as Brooks fled
Rolfe was subsequently:
- Fired from the Atlanta Police Department
- Arrested and charged with 11 offenses, including felony murder
Case Outcome and Reinstatement
The prosecution dropped all charges against Rolfe in August 2022.
According to the special prosecutor appointed by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr:
- Rolfe’s use of force was determined to be justified
Rolfe had previously been reinstated to the Atlanta Police Department in May 2021 but remained on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Public Impact and Related Events
The 2020 shooting of Rayshard Brooks led to widespread public response in Atlanta.
- Protests occurred following the incident
- The Wendy’s location where the shooting occurred was burned
- Then-Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields stepped down
Current Status
- Garrett Rolfe has been charged with battery related to the June bar incident
- He has been released on a $2,000 bond
- He remains on administrative leave
- An internal investigation is ongoing
- The case is pending judicial proceedings
FAQ
Who is Garrett Rolfe?
Garrett Rolfe is an Atlanta police officer who was involved in the 2020 fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks and has since been reinstated to the department.
What charges is Rolfe currently facing?
Rolfe has been charged with battery in connection with an off-duty bar altercation in June.
Was Rolfe on duty during the incident?
No. Police confirmed that Rolfe was off duty at the time of the bar incident.
What happened to the other individual involved?
Raefeael Penrice was arrested at the scene and charged with battery and simple battery.
What is the status of the Rayshard Brooks case?
All criminal charges against Rolfe related to the shooting were dropped in August 2022 after a special prosecutor determined the use of force was justified.
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