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Williamsport police officer on leave amid video showing him use racial epithet

An internal investigation is underway in Lycoming County

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A Williamsport police officer was put on paid administrative leave once a video surfaced online in which he said a racial epithet, officials in Lycoming County said. 

Brandon Wheeler, a city police officer for about three years, appeared to utter the "n" word while on a call outside of a bar at West Third and William Street. The video surfaced Sunday on social media.

"It was wholly inappropriate and unacceptable,” said Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter. “We are taking it very seriously.”

Attempts to reach Wheeler for comment were unsuccessful Monday.

In the video, a man off camera asked Wheeler for his badge number.  Wheeler responded but only gave his last name. 

The man pressed Wheeler for his first name and ended his question by saying the “n” word.

“No,” Wheeler said in reply. 

Wheeler, who is white, then repeated the pejorative term. 

A scuffle appeared to break out shortly after. In a follow-up video, Wheeler appeared to have a man in custody in his police vehicle for a disorderly conduct offense. 

“The whole situation is an unfortunate one,” Williamsport Police Chief Justin Snyder said. “The use of that words is inappropriate.”

Wheeler remains on paid leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

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