Atlanta police officer Garret Rolfe charged in connection with bar fight

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APD Officer Garrett Rolfe booked into the Fulton County Jail on simple battery charges.  (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

ATLANTA - An Atlanta police officer was taken to the Fulton County Jail and charged with simple battery this week, according to the jail's website. 

What we know:

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office's website showed Rolfe was booked into the jail on July 30, just over a month after a fight at a Midtown bar. The website also said he was released the same day. 

Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Atlanta police said Rolfe could face simple battery charges after getting into a fight with a bar staff member.

The department issued a statement that said after investigating the bar fight, it believes there is enough evidence to charge Rolfe.

The Fulton County Solicitor General's Office makes the final call on charges. FOX 5 reached out to the office for comment and has yet to hear back.

What they're saying:

The police department released a statement after the charges on Wednesday. It reads in part, "The Atlanta Police Department remains committed to serving its citizens and holding its employees to the highest standards on and off duty."

The backstory:

The fight happened at X Midtown in the 900 block of Piedmont Avenue on Sunday, June 29.

Investigators said Rolfe, who was off duty at the time, and another man, Rafael Penrice, got into a verbal argument. The argument escalated into a physical dispute, police said.

Officers arrested and charged Penrice with simple battery and battery. He was taken to the Fulton County Jail.

Raefeael Penrice (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Rolfe was placed on administrative leave the same day of the fight.

Dig deeper:

Rolfe is the officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks outside a Wendy’s in 2020. Charges were filed against him, but eventually dropped. Rolfe was fired during the trial, but petitioned to get his job back and won.