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Second Detroit police officer fired in connection with 'racially insensitive' Snapchat

Chief James Craig fires partner of officer who sent controversial Snapchat

DETROIT – A second Detroit police officer has been fired in connection with a "racially insensitive" video that was posted to Snapchat last month.

Detroit police Chief James Craig announced Officer Michael Garrison -- the partner of Officer Gary Steele, who posted the Snapchat -- has also been fired. Steele was fired Feb. 27.

Craig said during a previous press conference that he wants prosecutors to press criminal charges against Steele.

"I've made the determination that police Officer Gary Steele be terminated from his position," Craig said.

Craig said Steele posted a "racially insensitive" Snapchat after having a woman's car towed because of expired registration. Craig said body camera footage shows the woman was offered a ride home, but she refused and walked a block in the cold and dark.

The Snapchat captions included the phrase "black girl magic," referenced Black History Month and the officer made a verbal comment, "Bye, Felicia."

The post sparked an internal investigation with more than 50 interviews, which Craig said revealed Steele had used more derogatory language in his 18 years as a police officer.

"Terms he used on several occasions, such as 'Keisha,' 'Jakes' and 'Homies,' which were all derogatory, demoralizing and degrading and, yes, racially insensitive," Craig said.

There were several calls for Steele's termination from community leaders and organizations.

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About the Author
Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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