Police Officer Resigns, Alleges Sergeant Made 'Racist Comments'

LAKEWOOD, IL — A Lakewood police officer has resigned after claiming a sergeant with the department made racist comments. Edgar Pluviose noted in a Dec. 4 resignation letter that the sergeant, who was recently promoted, was heard making a racist comment in front of someone who'd been arrested while inside the police station and another comment while at the scene of a call, according to the Northwest Herald.

Pluviose said in the letter he felt he's "not welcome in this organization" and that he did not feel comfortable working with or having the sergeant as his supervisor, according to the Northwest Herald report.

“Because the village of Lakewood is unable to create a fair and equal working environment, I have made the decision to leave," Pluviose said.

Meanwhile, the village of Lakewood is looking into the matter and has launched an investigation into the allegations.

“We take that very seriously, and we started an investigation on Friday. And that's all I have to say about that,” Village President Phil Stephan told the Northwest Herald. He also said he could not provide more details, including whether the sergeant would continue working for the department during the investigation, since the issue was a personnel matter.

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