(WWJ) After a late-night vote, the Shelby Township police chief will be allowed to keep his job following inflammatory social media posts about recent protests.
The vote was 5-2 to retain -- but suspend -- Chief Robert Shelide for posts where he called protesters "vicious sub-humans" and referred to them as "wild savages." He also wrote they should be in body bags.
After three hours of emotional public comment in support of and against Shelide, the chief defended his comments by showing a video of violent protests in the wake of George Floyd's death at police hands in Minneapolis. He said, "Watching that video sickened me."
Shelide added he supports the right to peaceful protest, but said, "My comments have been twisted and taken out of context."
He added that "people deserve a second chance." And he was granted one: The board voted to keep him in his job with a 30-day suspension, plus deescalation and multicultural awareness training.
Initially after the posts came to light, Shelide issued an apology and asked for forgiveness:
"While an apology is insufficient and an insult to the gravity of my comments, I humbly and respectfully ask for the courtesy of forgiveness to those I have offended, to my department and more importantly to those I am sworn to serve. My record speaks to the commitment and professionalism that I have exhibited for more than 30 years without incident, both of which were compromised by my emotion."
He added that he planned to "seek the support and counsel necessary to ensure that my behavior and comments going forward more accurately reflect my character and person."
