'Block me and you'll get hit': Deputy's Facebook post on George Floyd protest under review

Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott said Wednesday he has asked his professional standards division to review a social media post one of his deputies allegedly made concerning the weekend's protests in Springfield.

Hundreds of people gathered in south Springfield on Saturday and Sunday to protest racism and police brutality in the wake of the George Floyd death in Minneapolis.

At times, the protesters left the sidewalk and walked along Battlefield Road.

Facebook comment reads: 'You stand in the road, you deserve to get hit'

According to screenshots sent to the News-Leader, Deputy Shane Turner commented on a TV news story that was shared on Facebook showing protesters blocking a car in the street, by writing "This is ridiculous! You stand in the road, you deserve to get hit. Infringing on people's right to safe travel is not a 'peaceful protest!' Block me and you'll get hit. I refuse to let myself or anyone in my family get overtaken by a mob of people! I will get through to safety! You want to peaceful protest, I'm all for that! Stay off the roadways so people not wanting to partake can go about their days without worry of damage to their car or loved ones."

Protests last weekend:Hundreds protest death of George Floyd at Battlefield and Glenstone

Arnott said he became aware of the comment on the deputy's Facebook page after a complaint was made. The sheriff said at first blush, he did not think the comment warranted discipline, but he asked his professional standards division — which is the sheriff's office's internal affairs — to review the comments for any policy violations and send him a recommendation. After that occurs, Arnott said he will make a final decision on discipline.

Arnott said the deputy will continue to work while the review is conducted.

Police chief says protests were mostly lawful

The Springfield Police Department, not the sheriff's office, was the lead law enforcement agency that responded to this past weekend's protests.

While there has been violence and chaos associated with protests in other cities across the country, Police Chief Paul Williams said citizens acted mostly lawfully during the protests in Springfield.

More:Springfield Target temporarily closed following George Floyd death

Williams said, however, this past weekend was a "unique" situation. He said he could appreciate the pain many people felt in connection with Floyd's death — especially after seeing the viral video of a police officer placing his knee on Floyd's neck for minutes while Floyd said he could not breathe.

Going forward, city officials have said they will not allow protesters to block major roadways in Springfield and instead would encourage people to protest at Park Central Square.

Protesters were out in downtown Springfield on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, a group made its way to the jail and courthouse buildings, where Arnott went out and prayed with the protesters. Arnott said he had to get the group to move a couple of times, but the organizers were respectful.

The Greene County Deputies Association, the union representing deputies, declined to comment for this report.