Canton Cop Suspended, Accused Of Posting Racial Slur Targeting Protesters

CANTON (WWJ) - A Canton police officer has been suspended after allegedly posting a racist comment online.

Police say officer Kenneth Kleszcz, who has been on the job there for one year, made the comment on social media during a live feed of an election protest this week.

Reports say the comment, aimed at African American protesters, included the phrase "go home monkeys." A spokesman for the the Canton Public Safety Department said officials found the comment disturbing.

In a media release, police did not confirm the content of the alleged post, but said the department was made aware of it at 9:30 a.m. Friday.

The officer was suspended effective immediately and police said the suspension would continue through the duration of an internal investigation which is already underway.

"The Canton Public Safety Department holds its employees to the highest of standards and this type of behavior is not representative of the beliefs or core values of this organization," the release continued.

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