Zimmerman accused of domestic violence, fighting with a police officer

March 27, 2012, 11:53 PM EDT

By U.S. News

REFILE ADDING VICTIM'S NAME George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who sparked a national uproar by shooting Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager to death, is pictured in this Orange County, Florida, Sheriff's Office booking photograph taken on July 2005. Zimmerman has wept with remorse over the killing and now fears for his own life, a friend of the gunman and a legal adviser said on March 25, 2012. Zimmerman, 28, remained in seclusion after receiving death threats and learning of a $10,000 bounty offered by a group called the New Black Panther Party, said lawyer Craig Sonner, who added he would represent Zimmerman if charges were filed. Picture taken in July 2005. REUTERS/Orange County Sheriff's Office/Handout (UNITED STATES - Tags: CRIME LAW HEADSHOT) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNSHANDOUT / Reuters

Court documents obtained by msnbc.com on Tuesday evening show that George Zimmerman, who fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, went to court in 2005 and 2006 for accusations of domestic violence, tussling with a police officer and speeding.

The three incidents took place in Orange County, Fla.

In 2005, Zimmerman, then 20, was arrested and charged with “resisting officer with violence” and “battery of law enforcement officer,” both which are third-degree felonies. The charge was reduced to “resisting officer without violence” and then waived when he entered an alcohol education program. Contemporaneous accounts indicate he shoved an officer who was questioning a friend for alleged underage drinking at an Orange County bar.

In August 2005, Zimmerman’s ex-fiancee, Veronica Zuazo, filed a civil motion for a restraining order alleging domestic violence. Zimmerman counterfiled for a restraining order against Zuazo. The competing claims were resolved with both restraining orders being granted.

In December 2006, Zimmerman was charged with speeding. The case was dismissed when the officer failed to show up in court.

On Feb. 26, in Sanford, Fla., Zimmerman fatally shot Martin, who was unarmed. Zimmerman, 28, a neighborhood watch volunteer, told police that he shot in self-defense and that Martin attacked him, breaking his nose.

Read the Feb. 26 incident report

Outraged, Martin’s parents and their supporters have called for Zimmerman’s arrest. The case has drawn national attention and thousands have rallied across the country for Martin’s parents’ cause.

Bill Lee, the Sanford police chief, has temporarily stepped down from his post. The FBI and Department of Justice and the state of Florida are investigating.

Zimmerman's attorney, Craig Sonner, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the court appearances and his voicemail box was full.

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