SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — A Shaker Heights police officer is under investigation for allegedly making an obscene gesture at a group of protesters Tuesday evening.
According to the Shaker Heights Police Department, the officer was driving a security vehicle as part of presidential debate detail when the gesture was made to a group of Black Lives Matter protesters.
The officer, who has not been named, has been placed on administrative leave.
The department issued the following statement regarding the incident:
"The Shaker Heights Police Department unequivocally supports the right of Black Lives Matter and all demonstrators to peacefully protest. We explicitly condemn any action by a police officer that interferes with or disrespects the rights of citizens to demonstrate. We are committed to confronting and rooting out unprofessional and inappropriate behavior within our department, and pledge to move as swiftly as possible in this case. We recognize that behavior such as this damages relationships that we have worked hard to build. We are committed to a police force that protects and represents all people and treats them fairly, and with dignity and respect."
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams spoke about the incident during a post-presidential debate briefing Wednesday morning. Williams said a commander from the Shaker Heights Police Department addressed the incident shortly after it happened and relieved the officer from his security detail.
"That's the way we expect our partners to operate here in the City of Cleveland. That commander from Shaker did exactly what he was supposed to do," Williams said.
The matter remains under investigation.
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