A San Diego police officer is under investigation for appearing to make light of the death of a man he fatally shot.

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San Diego Sgt. Matthew Botkin told Fox News that Officer Jonathan Lucas has been placed on administrative leave while the department reviews a social media post allegedly made by Lucas about the death of Leonardo Ibarra, a 25-year-old man who died after being shot at by Lucas and one other officer during an arrest. Both officers maintained that Ibarra pulled a gun on them before they fired their weapons.

The social media post, which activists claim was posted to Lucas’s personal account, contained a makeshift memorial for Ibarra complete with a “justice 4 Leo” sign and candles. The caption on the post was several emojis, including a laughing face and a crying face.

Botkin said Lucas could face disciplinary measures if it is determined that he made the social media post.

“There are varying degrees of discipline that could come, but at this point, it’s a little too early in the game to begin discussing that on our end,” Botkin said.

Protests against police brutality and racial injustice have taken place throughout the country for months following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died in police custody.

Tags: News, San Diego, California, Police, Law Enforcement

Original Author: Madison Dibble

Original Location: San Diego officer under investigation after appearing to joke about man he fatally shot