MIAMI (AP) — Florida authorities say George Zimmerman, whose acquittal of murdering an unarmed black teen sparked a national debate on race and self-defense laws, has been arrested for allegedly throwing a wine bottle at his girlfriend.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office says the 31-year-old Zimmerman was arrested for aggravated assault at his home in Lake Mary about 10 p.m. Friday.
Zimmerman was released on a $5,000 bond Saturday afternoon. At a court appearance earlier Saturday, he was ordered to avoid contact with the woman, who was not identified.
Judge John Galluzzo gave few details of the incident, but said a wine bottle was involved and that the alleged assault happened at Zimmerman's home. Prosecutors questioned whether substance abuse treatment was needed, but the judge said that didn't seem to be a factor.
After the brief hearing, Zimmerman's attorney, Don West, told the Orlando Sentinel (
George Zimmerman arrested in Lake Mary, charged with aggravated assault - Sun Sentinel) his client was arrested after allegedly throwing a wine bottle 'in the direction of' his girlfriend several days ago.
"No injuries, no contact, nothing that I'm aware of that led up to it. It's just one of those things that somehow brought us here," West told reporters.
West didn't know who called police, but said he didn't think the alleged victim placed the call.
Zimmerman was also told by the judge to stay out of Volusia County, where the woman lives.
The judge ordered Zimmerman to pack up any personal belongings his girlfriend may have left at Zimmerman's home and give them to his lawyer.
Zimmerman, who wore blue scrubs and handcuffs, appeared calm during the brief hearing. At one point, he laughed and joked with an officer as he signed paperwork.
What the fuck. I don't know what's worse. This idiot being belligerent and just not fucking up or the fucking ****** who called the police on him for throwing a bottle inside his home "at" his girlfriend.
