Atlanta Police Lieutenant Arrested, Relieved of Duty for Sexual Battery

An off-duty Atlanta Police Department lieutenant, 45-year-old Kyle Kleinhenz, was arrested on May 19 and subsequently relieved of duty following allegations of sexual battery by a rideshare driver.

On May 18, 2025, Atlanta Police Zone 1 officers responded to a dispute between a rideshare driver and a passenger at 2429 Bolton Rd. NW. The preliminary investigation indicated that the passenger had inappropriately touched the driver during the incident. Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, investigators with the APD Special Victim’s Unit were called to the scene.

The rideshare driver reported picking up Kleinhenz from Mr. C’s Bar and Grill on Howell Mill Road. She stated that during the ride, Kleinhenz inappropriately touched her, prompting her to pull over for help. Responding officers noted that Kleinhenz was “extremely intoxicated and unable to give a statement” at the time.

Upon identification as an Atlanta Police Lieutenant, Kleinhenz, who was off duty and not in uniform during the incident, was arrested for sexual battery and transported to Fulton County Jail.

On May 19, 2025, Kleinhenz was officially relieved of duty, and the Atlanta Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards launched an internal investigation into the matter.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum issued a statement emphasizing the department’s commitment to accountability: “The Atlanta Police Department takes all allegations of officer misconduct with the utmost seriousness. We are committed to maintaining the trust of our community by holding our officers to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Any behavior that falls short of these expectations is thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken.”