Two Atlanta police officers were relieved of duty after getting into a fist fight where a gun was allegedly pulled.
They fought over who could run faster.
The scuffle happened early Friday morning at R. Thomas Restaurant in Buckhead, after officers Stephen Green, Joseph Tyer and a handful of other officers met there for dinner, Officer Lukasz Sajdak, a spokesman for Atlanta police, said in an email.
The officers bantered about who would be faster in a foot race, Green or Tyer, Sajdak said.
The conversation began to escalate and Green said he noticed Tyer getting upset.
“I’m going to punch you in the face,” Tyer told Green, according to the statement. Green, who was taken by surprise, said, “What?”
“I’ll punch you in the face,” Tyer said.
The argument escalated to blows and the other officers broke up the fight, Sajdak said. Tyer allegedly pulled his service weapon, but no shots were fired.
The Office of Professional Standards opened an investigation that is still ongoing, Sajdak said.
“The Atlanta Police Department takes these allegations very seriously,” the department said in a statement. “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.
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