The city of Atlanta Police Department suffered a public relations black eye as two cops fought after a night out with fellow officers.
Two APD officers, Stephen Green and Joseph Tyer, along with a small group of other officers had finished eating at R. Thomas restaurant, located in the upscale Buckhead section of Atlanta. A conversation ensued about who could run faster in a foot race when things got heated. Tyer became upset and told Green that he would, “Punch him in the face.” A shocked Green stated “What?” and Tyer repeated his comment. A fistfight soon broke out between the two officers.
That’s when according to police, Tyer allegedly pulled his service revolver but did not fire his weapon. Other officers were able to calm the situation, but the APD administration was not happy about the encounter. The Office of Professional Standards has now opened an investigation and both Green and Tyer were relieved of duty. A statement from the Atlanta Police Department was released regarding the fight that reads: “The Atlanta Police Department takes these allegations very seriously. Chief [George] Turner has always prioritized officer accountability and professional behavior at all times. He will continue to take decisive action when necessary to hold his employees to the highest standard.”
Green, who had been with the force since 2011, is on administrative leave. Tyer resigned on Tuesday, he had been with Atlanta police since 2012.
The results of the investigation have not yet been released to the public.
The city of Atlanta has roughly 2,000 uniformed officers.
Buckhead has become well-known for the number of fights and other negative behavior that emerge frequently during the weekends. The area contains some of the city of Atlanta’s hottest clubs and bars and has been part of the nightlife scene for several decades.
