George Zimmerman arrested for domestic violence

George Zimmerman, whose acquittal of murdering an unarmed black teen in 2013 made him a hero on the political right and a symbol of what’s wrong with so-called “stand your ground” laws on the left, was arrested on Jan. 9 for allegedly throwing a wine bottle at his most recent girlfriend.

The incident is the latest in a series of domestic violence charges that Zimmerman has faced.

The Associated Press reported that Zimmerman, 31, was arrested for aggravated assault at his home in Florida’s Seminole County about 10 p.m. on Friday. He was released on a $5,000 bond Saturday afternoon.

At a court appearance earlier today, he was ordered to avoid contact with the woman, who was not identified. Judge John Galluzzo also ordered Zimmerman to stay out of Volusia County, where the woman lives, and to pack up any personal belongings his girlfriend might have left at his home and give them to his lawyer.

Zimmerman, who wore blue scrubs and handcuffs, appeared calm during the brief hearing. At one point, he laughed and joked with an officer as he signed paperwork.

Although the incident didn't involve a firearm, the judge ordered Zimmerman to surrender any weapons in his possession. Zimmerman is scheduled to appear back in court on Feb. 17.

Zimmerman was acquitted in 2013 of a second-degree murder charge for shooting an unarmed teenager, Trayvon Martin.

Since his acquittal, Zimmerman has had several brushes with the law, including:

• He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, battery and criminal mischief after his then-girlfriend said he pointed a gun at her face during an argument, smashed her coffee table and pushed her out of the house they shared. Samantha Scheibe decided not to cooperate with detectives and prosecutors didn't pursue the case.

• Zimmerman was accused by his estranged wife of smashing an iPad during an argument at the home they had shared. Shellie Zimmerman initially told a dispatcher her husband had a gun, though she later said he was unarmed. No charges were ever filed because of a lack of evidence. The dispute occurred days after Shellie Zimmerman filed divorce papers.

• Zimmerman has also been pulled over three times for traffic violations since his acquittal.