On Saturday, a Herington police officer reported he had received a cup of coffee at a Junction City McDonald’s with something extra — an expletive and derogatory comment about law enforcement written on the cup by a restaurant employee.
It turned out the story was made up by the cop himself. That officer has resigned.
At a news conference Monday, Herington Police Chief Brian Hornaday said those actions did not reflect the values of the department as a whole.
Audio fro KVOE’s broadcast partner WIBW-TV in Topeka.
After the incident was reported Saturday and after hearing from the officer, Hornaday shared his concerns in a social media post that drew nationwide attention. The restaurant said it took the allegation seriously and later said it had evidence its employees were not involved. Hornaday confirmed the restaurant’s information after reviewing surveillance videos that he said were not available when he made his initial comments and he thanked McDonald’s for its investigation.
As the police investigation continued, Hornaday said the officer said he wrote the phrase on the cup as a joke.
The officer had been on the force for about two months after serving as a military police officer in the Army. The man’s name is not being released at this time due to personnel policy. Criminal charges are not expected.
Hornaday called the incident a black eye on law enforcement.
Hornaday says Herington Police will work to regain any lost trust with the restaurant and with Herington residents.
