EAST POINT, Ga. — In a disturbing off-duty incident, newly-released warrants detail the actions of four recruits from the Atlanta Police Department, one of whom faces multiple charges for alleged misconduct during a night out.
The altercation took place in the early hours of June 14 at U Bar, a lounge and restaurant on Camp Creek Parkway in East Point.
Wendy Celestin, one of the recruits, reportedly displayed intoxicated behavior that led to his expulsion from the premises around 2:45 a.m. after knocking over tables.
Two Fulton County deputies, who were working an off-duty assignment at the establishment, instructed Celestin to leave.
Initially, he complied and approached his vehicle but returned shortly afterward, attempting to re-enter the bar despite the deputies’ orders.
When deputies advised Celestin that he had to stay away, he allegedly resisted, which prompted one deputy to attempt to detain him.
However, Celestin allegedly pulled away, creating a tense situation.
With concerns for safety escalating, a second deputy intervened, and Celestin ultimately returned to his car.
Following this, deputies heard two loud gunshots.
Upon turning, they witnessed Celestin firing two shots into the air before he drove off and discharged another four to five rounds while exiting the parking lot.
A deputy immediately pursued Celestin, activating the lights on his vehicle, but Celestin reportedly refused to stop.
Warrants were subsequently signed on July 17, and Celestin was taken into custody at the Fulton County Jail on July 4.
He faces several serious charges, including discharging a firearm on or near a public highway or street, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and disorderly conduct due to an ordinance violation.
In light of this incident, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed the termination of Celestin and three other recruits involved.
A department statement emphasized the organization’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and conduct, whether on-duty or off.
The department clarified that this incident occurred outside of their jurisdiction and was not tied to any graduation celebration, noting that the recruits had not yet completed their training.
“The Atlanta Police Department has learned that the recruits were asked to leave the business and became involved in a dispute with a member of the establishment’s security team, during which one recruit discharged a firearm,” the statement read.
The department reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for actions that undermine public trust or endanger community safety, making it clear that this incident does not reflect the values it upholds.
Celestin was released from jail after posting bond on July 6.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the behavior of recruits expected to uphold the law and maintain public safety.
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