Zimmerman accused of domestic violence, fighting with a police officer
Orange County Sheriff's Office
George Zimmerman is pictured in this booking photo taken in July 2005.
By msnbc.com staff
Court documents obtained by msnbc.com on Tuesday evening show that George Zimmerman, who fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, went to court in 2005 and 2006 for accusations of domestic violence, tussling with a police officer and speeding.
The three incidents took place in Orange County, Fla.
•In 2005, Zimmerman, then 20, was arrested and charged with “resisting officer with violence” and “battery of law enforcement officer,” both which are third-degree felonies. The charge was reduced to “resisting officer without violence” and then waived when he entered an alcohol education program. Contemporaneous accounts indicate he shoved an officer who was questioning a friend for alleged underage drinking at an Orange County bar.
•In August 2005, Zimmerman’s ex-fiancee, Veronica Zuazo, filed a civil motion for a restraining order alleging domestic violence. Zimmerman counterfiled for a restraining order against Zuazo. The competing claims were resolved with both restraining orders being granted.
•In December 2006, Zimmerman was charged with speeding. The case was dismissed when the officer failed to show up in court.
Advertise | AdChoicesOn Feb. 26, in Sanford, Fla., Zimmerman fatally shot Martin, who was unarmed. Zimmerman, 28, a neighborhood watch volunteer, told police that he shot in self-defense and that Martin attacked him, breaking his nose
Sounds like a model citizen