Judge Christina J. Peterson, a Democrat serving as the Probate Judge in Douglas County, was taken into custody in the early hours of Thursday morning at a nightclub in Atlanta. The incident occurred at the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge, where she allegedly struck a police officer and refused to provide her identification. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) reported on the arrest.
According to inmate records from Fulton County, Peterson has been charged with battery against a police officer and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers through the use of threats or violence. She is currently being held on a $5,000 bond.
“I can only confirm that a Christina Janae Peterson was arrested for battery in response to a 911 call at the location of 3179 Peachtree Rd NE,” a police spokesperson told the outlet. “The incident report is still processing as the incident appeared to have just happened early this morning.”
An informal police report acquired by the AJC mentioned that an officer arrived at a scene close to the valet section of the nightclub, discovering a distressed woman. As the officer attempted to communicate with her, they were unexpectedly hit on the head by the individual being arrested, known as Ms. Christina Peterson, who declined to reveal her identity and seemed to be intoxicated, as per the AJC.
#BREAKING: Douglas County Probate Judge Christina J. Peterson was arrested at a Buckhead nightclub early Thursday and charged with battery, accused of striking an officer on the head and refusing to identify herself, records show.
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution (@ajc) June 20, 2024
The Atlanta Police Department informed AJC that an official incident report is currently being prepared. Peterson was convicted of “systemic incompetence” in April for disregarding courthouse regulations, posting inappropriate comments on social media, and mistreating courthouse staff, as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta. Following 30 misconduct charges, the Judicial Qualifications Commission unanimously decided to oust Peterson from her position.