TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) β A police officer has been suspended for a Facebook post about Terre Haute's mayoral election.
The Tribune-Star reports Lt. Gary Shook was suspended for two days after writing in support of challenger Mark Bird over Mayor Duke Bennett.
Chief John Plasse, appointed by Bennett, called it inaccurate and told the officer to remove the post. However, it was later copied to Bird's campaign page.
Plasse says he followed policy but wouldn't elaborate on the pending case. The matter is expected at a Nov. 18 board meeting.
Shook's attorney Joe Etling says the personal page post is protected speech and no different from others supporting candidates on personal pages.
Several, including Plasse, have supported Bennett in personal posts.
The union backed Bennett.
But Plasse says a department page he administers is without endorsements.
