Fiancé of arrested CCSO deputy speaks out

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – WTOC has exclusive video showing the arrest of a Chatham County Sheriff’s deputy by Rincon police on Friday. On Sunday afternoon, WTOC met with the deputy’s fiancée, who said she was there and witnessed the entire arrest.

Carlos Petiote’s fiancée Martha said she never expected something like this to happen.

“My instinct just kicked in because I knew where he told me he was. So I just took my car keys and drove away,” Martha said.

Above is the video of Carlos Petiote, a deputy with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, being arrested by police in Rincon on Friday night. This video was shot by his fiancée after she learned he was pulled over.

Sunday afternoon, she sat down with WTOC and explained what she saw and heard that night.

“They gave him the ticket for not changing lanes,” Martha said.

Rincon police said Petiote was stopped for a traffic violation.

“All he has to do is sign the summons, just like everyone else,” said a Rincon official.

In one part of the video, Petiote can be heard on the phone. His fiancée said he was talking to his lieutenant.

“He said if I don’t sign the ticket, they’ll take me to jail,” said CCSO Deputy Carlos Petiote.

Under Georgia law, “a person who receives a summons requiring the production of his or her driver’s license in lieu of bail must sign the summons to acknowledge receipt of the summons and his or her commitment to appear in court. The officer must advise the person that signing the summons does not constitute an admission of guilt and that failure to sign will require the person to post cash bail. If the person refuses to sign the summons, it is reasonable suspicion that the person will not appear in court, and the officer may bring the person before a court officer or traffic violation office to post bail as required by law.”

In a tense part of the video, Rincon police officers can be heard telling Petiote not to touch his gun.

Petiote has now been charged with two misdemeanors and one felony.

He posted bail on Saturday.

His fiancée said he was very committed to his work and appreciated what he did for the community.

“If Carlos has to go to work at 7:30 in the morning, Carlos has to get up at 5:00 in the morning. Carlos is not a person who likes to be late,” Martha said.

We have reached out to Rincon Police for an explanation as to why Petiote was arrested and how Rincon Police interpret the law regarding signing subpoenas.

They declined to comment and said they would issue a statement on Monday.

While the investigation continues, Petito remains on leave from the CCSO.

All rights reserved.