A Habersham County firefighter has been placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest last week in Florida. Police charged Christopher McKinley Palmer with 1st-degree battery after he and his girlfriend allegedly got into an argument that turned violent.
According to the incident report from the Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Department, Palmer, known as “Mack,” was arrested Tuesday evening, June 11. He was vacationing in Florida with his family when the alleged incident occurred.
The 34-year-old Palmer is a lieutenant with Habersham County Emergency Services and the son of county commissioner Bruce Palmer.
The report states Lt. Palmer and his girlfriend got into an argument, and he allegedly struck her in the nose. Palmer’s brother, James, then got involved and tried to break up the disturbance. Both reportedly told police that Mack Palmer was intoxicated at the time.
Police say Palmer “admitted to battering his girlfriend” and fighting with his brother. They arrested and charged him with misdemeanor 1st-degree battery.
“This is a personnel matter that is under current investigation,” says Habersham County spokesperson Rob Moore. “The employee is on paid administrative leave pending the results.”
Now Habersham contacted Lt. Palmer by phone. He said he does not have an attorney and declined to comment.
