A San Francisco police officer who pleaded not guilty last week to charges that stemmed from an alleged alcohol-fueled fight with his girlfriend in May could lose his job if convicted of the charges which include domestic violence, assault and obstructing the use of a wireless device, the defense attorney said today.
San Francisco police Officer Craig Perry was arrested on May 22 and posted $103,000 bail shortly after his arrest. He remains out of custody and is expected back in court later this month, Perry’s defense attorney Bill Fazio said.
Perry is currently on unpaid administrative leave, police spokesman Officer Albie Esparza said.
Fazio said Perry’s arrest stemmed from a fight with his girlfriend, with whom he shares an apartment and who he has dated for the last eight to 10 years.
The couple was out clubbing and “everyone was drinking,” Fazio said.
Perry apparently opened a cab door for another woman while out on the town and his girlfriend became jealous, Fazio said.
When they got back to their apartment, she confronted him and got angry. Fazio said the argument was “fueled by alcohol” and that the girlfriend allegedly locked Perry out of the apartment.
Fazio said that around 3 a.m. on May 22, Perry decided he was cold and wanted to go inside his apartment and rang the doorbell. His girlfriend opened the door and attacked Perry, Fazio said.
Fazio said that Perry defended himself from his girlfriend and that both parties suffered minor injuries as they engaged in “mutual combat.”
The girlfriend allegedly had bite marks to her neck and shoulders, but Fazio said they looked more like hickies and that her skin was not broken.
Fazio said Perry suffered minor scratches.
According to Fazio, the girlfriend called 911 and reported the incident but then called back to cancel the call, but officers decided to check in on the situation anyway, to make sure everyone was safe.
Neither Perry nor his girlfriend sought medical attention, Fazio said.
“I don’t know why they both weren’t arrested,” Fazio said.
Upon release from jail Perry checked himself into a live-in alcohol rehabilitation program, Fazio said.
Perry has worked as a police officer for six years and has an “exemplary record” in the department, Fazio said.
He said Perry’s next court date is June 25 at 9 a.m. in Department 20 at the San Francisco Hall of Justice.
Hannah Albarazi, Bay City News
