Sterling Heights police officer who mocked George Floyd in online post resigns

A Sterling Heights police officer who was placed on unpaid leave after he posted “disturbing” social media posts relating to George Floyd has left the force, according to television reports.

The 48-year-old officer was a 20-year veteran of the department who has been in trouble before. The Macomb Daily is withholding his name.

Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor told WJBKTV (Fox 2 News) that the meme’s content will not be tolerated.

“He posted a very offensive meme that was not funny,” the mayor said. “It was disrespectful to say the least. It just was absolutely terrible.”

Department officials launched an internal investigation after learning of the meme and said no further information would be released as the probe progressed. But then the officer resigned Monday.

The police department issued a statement on the controversy. The statement read:

“During the course of the Police Department’s internal investigation, and prior to disciplinary action, the police officer in question resigned. This incident is confirmation that the City must remain vigilant in identifying and rooting out such behavior, which has no place in a municipal organization that serves an incredibly diverse population.

“This incident further shows the City’s commitment to making sure each and every resident, business owner, and visitor feels welcome and safe in Sterling Heights. This objective is integral to realizing the City’s vision for Sterling Heights as a community that is vibrant, inclusive, and distinctive,” Lt. Mario Bastianelli said in the statement.

The former officer is alleged to have shared an image on a private Facebook page that showed George Floyd, the 46-yearold Black man being restrained by a white Minneapolis police officer holding him on the ground by placing a knee to Floyd’s neck for nearly 10 minutes. The May 25, 2020, which resulted in Floyd’s death, was captured on videotape and resulted in nationwide protests.

The Sterling Heights officer allegedly shared the image last week, with the words “When you gotta change a tire but don’t wanna get your trousers dirty,” according to the TV report.

The officer in the George Floyd case, Derek Chauvin, was arrested on homicide charges. He is due to stand trial on March 8.

It’s not clear what impact the resignation on the officer’s pension.