Charges Dropped Against Chicago Man Arrested by Dunwoody Police

Dunwoody officer disciplined for violating code of conduct during arrest

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:15pm

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The Dunwoody Police Department has disciplined Patrol Officer Edward Estes for violating its code of conduct during the arrest of Robert Diamonte, a Chicago man who was charged with disorderly conduct in late March. All charges against Diamonte have since been dropped, and he plans to file a civil lawsuit against the department.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues of police accountability and the rights of citizens when interacting with law enforcement. The disciplining of the officer and the dropping of charges against Diamonte raise questions about proper police procedures and the treatment of citizens, especially when it comes to allegations of misconduct.

The details

According to the details, Diamonte was arrested by Officer Estes on March 23 outside a Barnes & Noble bookstore near Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, Georgia. Diamonte claims the officers questioned him about a private phone conversation and that he refused to comply, leading to his arrest. Diamonte says Estes "threw" him into the police car and slammed the door on his feet, causing him to fear for his safety. After being held in jail for four days, the charges against Diamonte were dismissed on April 1.

  • Diamonte was arrested on March 23, 2026.
  • Diamonte was released from jail on March 26, 2026.
  • The charges against Diamonte were dismissed on April 1, 2026.
  • Diamonte spoke at a Dunwoody City Council meeting on April 8, 2026.
  • The Dunwoody Police Department disciplined Officer Estes on May 6, 2026.

The players

Robert Diamonte

A Chicago man who was arrested by Dunwoody police in late March 2026 and charged with disorderly conduct, but later had the charges dropped.

Officer Edward Estes

A Dunwoody police officer who was disciplined by the department for violating its code of conduct during Diamonte's arrest.

Sgt. Joshua Sanders

A Dunwoody police supervisor who arrived on the scene of Diamonte's arrest.

Dunwoody Police Department

The law enforcement agency that disciplined Officer Estes for his conduct during Diamonte's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“I was talking to someone in Phoenix, Arizona about trying to collect a debt from a former friend who had betrayed my trust. That was nobody's concern but my own, but the Dunwoody Police made it their concern.”

— Robert Diamonte (Rough Draft)

“I called Estes a motherf-er, and they may not have liked it, but that's freedom of speech, and I have the right to express that.”

— Robert Diamonte (Rough Draft)

“At any time, this could have been avoided, if someone had just listened to me. I blew up the entire city hall with phone calls and emails with very little response, and I felt like I had to force their hand.”

— Robert Diamonte (Rough Draft)

What’s next

Diamonte plans to file a civil lawsuit against the Dunwoody Police Department, charging the department with wrongful arrest and other allegations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of police accountability and the need to ensure that citizens' rights are protected during interactions with law enforcement. It also underscores the challenges that can arise when there are conflicting accounts of an incident and the need for thorough investigations to determine the facts.