Officials are responding to a Lafayette police car caught on camera in a handicapped parking space at an IHOP restaurant, despite the fact the officer is not handicapped and had no emergency reason to park there. The officer says the incident was not intentional.

The photograph went viral, causing members of the community to reach out to local government. Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski and Tippecanoe County Sheriff Barry Richard have both said they would look into the matter. Lafayette Police Chief Patrick Flannelly said the department is disappointed and embarrassed.

“It does appear that the officer made a mistake, pulled into the parking spot, didn’t see the marking on the pavement, and I think he’s pretty embarrassed as well,” said Flannelly. “So now, for our command staff and for his supervisors, it will be a matter of what discipline will be appropriate in this case.”

In a press release, Chief Flannelly identified the offending employee as Officer Jason Savage. Flannelly said Savage self-reported the situation to his commanding officer.

Flannelly also stated the parking space was not properly marked as a handicap space because it doesn’t have the signage required. Because of that, he added that no vehicle, no matter who was driving, could be ticketed for parking in that space.

Source: WLFI