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GREENSBORO — Police officers gave conflicting accounts Tuesday in a trial involving one of their own.

A.J. Blake, 33, testified he never struck his girlfriend during a January birthday party for a fellow officer at the Greensboro Police Club. Blake admitted he pushed another partygoer away but said he did so because he felt she was going to hit him.

Officer C.M. Schultheis testified he saw Blake twice push his girlfriend, Sandra Sanchez, during an argument while leaving the club. He also told jurors  Blake pushed Lorraine Galloway, the girlfriend of another officer, hard enough that she stumbled. Galloway later testified that the shove left red marks on her neck where she said Blake pushed her.

Blake’s trial for two misdemeanor counts of assault on a female started Tuesday morning in Guilford County Superior Court. In March, Chief District Court Judge Joseph Turner found Blake guilty in a nonjury trial and gave him a two-week suspended sentence. Blake appealed that ruling to Superior Court, which meant he would get a jury trial.

Blake, who has worked for the police department for more than seven years, was fired during an administrative hearing July 20.

 He has appealed that decision.

In testimony Tuesday, Schultheis and Sgt. J.C. Myrick said Blake was “irate” and “out of control.” They testified  he kicked his girlfriend’s car, broke his phone and threw his police ID on the ground with a curse after being told, “C’mon man, you’re gonna lose your job.”

Galloway told jurors she heard a scream and saw a crying Sanchez leave the bathroom with Blake. She watched through a window as Blake and Sanchez left the club and said she headed to the front door to confront Blake after seeing him kick his girlfriend. That is when he shoved her by the neck, she testified.

Blake testified he pushed Galloway with an open hand between her neck and sternum, which is a common police maneuver to create distance with another person.

Ken Free, Blake’s attorney, asked whether Sanchez asked anyone for help that night. Witnesses said no.

Blake testified he and Sanchez were fighting about jealousy issues. He said he was breaking up with her that night, which caused an argument that spilled into the club parking lot.

 “I didn’t touch her at all,” he testified.

He did admit to kicking her car and breaking his phone.

In the end, they drove home together because he couldn’t find another ride, he said. Blake told jurors he and Sanchez have since reconciled and live together.

The Greensboro Police Club is a philanthropic group that raises money for youth athletics and other community programs. It was rented out that night for the private party. Police officers don’t have to be members to attend events.

Blake’s trial resumes at 9:30 a.m. today.

Contact Jennifer Fernandez at 373-7064 or jennifer.fernandez@news-record.com