A Detroit police officer posted a video to social media showing him mocking an African-American woman with racially charged captions after she was made to walk home in the cold.
ABC affiliate WXYZ on Thursday shared the Snapchat video that launched an internal investigation into officer Gary Steele.
Steele on Tuesday night pulled over a young black woman for a traffic stop because she had expired car license tags.
{mosads}The woman, identified as Ariel Moore, then had to walk home in the cold, the outlet reported.
Steele recorded footage of Moore walking home and shared it on the social media site Snapchat with captions reading “what black girl magic looks like” and “celebrating Black History Month.”
The video also includes commentary between Steele and an unidentified officer from inside the police car.
“Walk of shame,” an officer said as Moore walked away.
“In the cold,” another said in the video.
“Bye Felicia,” one of the officers added.
Monique Mobley, Moore’s mother, told the station that the officer’s video and remarks were “racist.”
“They demeaned my child for no reason,” Mobley said.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said that body camera footage shows Moore was offered a ride home but was upset about having her car towed so she refused and walked.
Craig, however, said he was “angry” over the the “racially insensitive post.”
“I’m not going to tell you I’m troubled,” Craig said during a Thursday press conference. “I’m going to tell you I’m angry. This incident is absolutely not reflective (of the department). This is not acceptable.”
Steele has been deappointed from his rank as corporal and is being reassigned until an internal investigation is completed, Craig said. The other officer heard on the video is also included in the investigation.
Punishment following the investigation could range from a written reprimand to suspension or termination.
Craig said Steele had been with the police force for more than 18 years and was involved in the training of other officers.
“That’s not what we expect of our police officers,” Craig said. “This officer will be held accountable for his actions.