BATH TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Two off-duty Bath Township police officers who were arrested in October for allegedly fighting in a Grand Rapids bar have pleaded no contest to charges in connection with the incident.
Both Officer Payton Warner and Detective Bryan Miller are scheduled to be sentenced 1:30 p.m. Jan. 27 in Grand Rapids’ 61st District Court, according to court records.
Warner pleaded no contest Wednesday to assault and battery. Miller pleaded no contest Wednesday to creating a disturbance in a public place.
Both charges are misdemeanors and punishable up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
It was unclear Wednesday afternoon if Warner and Miller remain with the police department. Messages left with the department weren’t returned.
Bar owner Deb Owen told FOX 47 News that Warner and Miller were involved in a Oct. 9 fight at the bar. Owen said the off-duty officers punched a bartender and kicked a customer before the fight broke up.
Police reports don’t indicate that any weapons were used during the alleged fight and what started it.
Owen said Miller threw the first punch. Owen’s son is the bartender and refused to serve Miller before the fight started, she said.
A woman who claims she was caught in the middle of the fight told News 10 the charges the officers received aren't enough.
Stacey Weaver said she was punched in the face by one of the off duty officers and intends to press charges.
"I just don't think that they're fit to wear a badge,” Weaver said.
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