In the wake of the fatal police shooting of Terence Crutcher, an officer is offering support and protection to the community in a Facebook post that has gone viral.
Tulsa police Officer Popsey Floyd posted the message Monday after days of protests over Crutcher's death.
"I work for you. I will protect you," Floyd wrote. "I do not take the authority that comes with my badge for granted. I know you may be upset about the recent events all over the country and now here in Tulsa. I don't have the answers that you are looking for, but I will continue to be the solution."
>> Terence Crutcher was overcoming past, focused on future when killed, family says
Floyd also encouraged people to apply to the police force.
"One thing that I want you to know is this," Floyd wrote. "The Tulsa Police Department is hiring. If you believe that change is required, please join the department and be the change that you are seeking."
The post has been shared more than 3,300 times.
KOKI-TV reporter Sara Whaley caught up with Floyd on Wednesday to learn more.
Crutcher, 40, was shot dead Friday by Tulsa police Officer Betty Shelby after his SUV stalled in the middle of the road.
Crutcher was unarmed at the time, and video footage from an officer’s dashboard camera, as well as footage from a police helicopter, showed that he had walked back to his vehicle with his hands in the air before Shelby opened fire.
Shelby's attorney told an Associated Press reporter that Crutcher was reaching into the window of his SUV. Crutcher's family challenged that claim Tuesday, however, by showing the media an enlarged photo from the police footage that appeared to show that Crutcher's window was rolled up when he was killed.
Tulsa police also told KOKI that the drug PCP was found in Crutcher's vehicle. The Crutcher family's lawyer said that even if he had used the drug, it would not justify his death, the AP reported.
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