Fulton County judge to decide on arrest warrant in 2023 road rage case
Judge considers arrest warrant for detective
A judge just heard evidence that an arrest warrant should be issued for an Atlanta police detective. This is related to the case of Ladavious McNair who was cleared of charges related to a road rage shooting in 2023. Attorneys for McNair contend the officer had evidence pointing to someone else but still knowingly pursued the wrong person.
ATLANTA - A Fulton County judge is expected to rule next month on whether an arrest warrant will be issued in connection with a police investigation stemming from a 2023 road rage incident.
Superior Court Judge Kimberly Edmonds Adams heard more than two hours of testimony on the matter, which centers on the arrest and subsequent release of Clark Atlanta University student Ladavious McNair.
The incident in question occurred in November 2023, when a road rage altercation escalated into a shooting. McNair was arrested in October 2024 but later released after evidence emerged clearing him of involvement.
McNair’s attorney, Marsha Mignott, alleges that Atlanta Police Detective Abdul Mustapha knowingly pursued an arrest warrant despite having evidence that exonerated McNair. "The victim even said he had the wrong guy," Mignott argued during the hearing.
Mignott also criticized Mustapha's conduct, stating, "I think he was a little flippant. I think he showed no remorse that he arrested the wrong person. I think still in his head he was in the blue line and was above the law."
Detective Mustapha, who testified during the hearing, faced pointed questioning from Mignott. Meanwhile, Shemia Washington, representing the city of Atlanta, defended Mustapha’s actions, arguing that he followed proper procedures. She says after the victim came forward stating it was the wrong guy- the case was out of his hands and pointed him to the district attorney’s office.
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The hearing also featured moments of tension, including reprimands by Judge Edmonds Adams. A representative from the district attorney’s office, who had been previously admonished during earlier proceedings, was seen laughing and rolling their eyes during parts of Monday’s hearing.
After the hearing, Mignott expressed cautious optimism about the judge’s impending decision. "I think she will follow the law. I am still hopeful in my arguments and theory of the case," Mignott said. "There’s too much argument and inconsistency to call this a mistake."
The judge’s decision is expected early next month.
The Source: This article is based on court proceedings and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports.