Recently released police footage shows Zachariah Branch being taken into custody while standing on a sidewalk in Athens, Georgia, among a crowd. This incident happened just after midnight on April 19, just days before Branch was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The body camera video, which lacks sound for the first 28 seconds, seems to depict officers attempting to clear a large group outside a crowded bar, instructing Branch and others to disperse. After a brief conversation with an officer, Branch moved slightly to the left and remained among other still bystanders.
Suddenly, an officer charged at Branch and handcuffed him, while other officers were talking to someone else about arresting him for “obstructing the sidewalk.” “I didn’t do anything,” Branch stated as he was escorted to a police vehicle, despite the officer asserting that he had broken the law.
The officer mentioned that she had issued a lawful order to move, which Branch apparently ignored. “Ma’am,” Branch replied, “We were about to leave. What’s the problem here?” The officers then elaborated on the reasoning behind Branch’s arrest, mentioning that he should have moved the first few times he was asked.
“He looked at me, grinned, and did it again. That’s interference,” the officer noted. She also remarked that Branch had the opportunity to set a good example but chose otherwise, implying serious consequences. Ultimately, he was charged with two counts related to obstructing a public passage and impeding an officer.
However, just days later, Branch’s attorney announced that prosecutors had dismissed the charges. “After reviewing all evidence, including the video, the state agreed to drop all charges,” attorney Kim Stevens stated. “Zakaria cooperated fully with law enforcement and committed no crime that night. We are relieved this is resolved and that his reputation is intact.”
Branch, drafted 79th overall by the Falcons on April 24, began his collegiate career at USC before transferring to Georgia, where he had a standout year with 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 81 catches.
This week, Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa expressed how impressed he has been with the team’s progress this offseason, drawing comparisons to Jaylen Waddle.
