(WWJ) A Sterling Heights police officer is off the job, and under investigation over an offensive post on social media.
The city of Sterling Heights Wednesday evening issued the following statement after becoming aware of what it's calling a "disturbing image" posted to the private Facebook page of a member of the Sterling Heights Police Department.
“The city of Sterling Heights disavows the abhorrent imagery and messaging that appeared in the post. Immediate action was taken by the Police Chief upon learning of it, including placing the officer on unpaid administrative leave and initiating an internal disciplinary investigation."
The statement continues: "The Police Department is committed to completing the investigation and disciplinary process as quickly as possible. It must be clear that there is no place for hateful and offensive content like that within our community. It does a grave disservice to the City, the dedicated men and women of the Police Department who protect and serve each and every Sterling Heights resident and business, and all those who call it home.
"We remain committed to building and ensuring a tolerant and accepting city that is inclusive and safe for all.”
So, what was the alleged post about? The city is not saying, stating in an email to WWJ Newsradio 950 that no further information is being released at the moment.
However, according to a report by WXYZ-TV, the post showed a photo of George Floyd preceding his death, with a Minneapolis police officer with his knee on his neck, along with the caption: "When you gotta change a tire but don’t wanna get your trousers dirty.”
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The officer under investigation has not been publicly named.
Floyd became an icon of the Black Lives Matter movement, setting off protests in Detroit and nationwide after he died on Memorial Day of 2020, gasping for air while repeating, "I can't breathe." Floyd was being arrested for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill.