Officer Accused Of Using Racial Slur During Traffic Stop

MONROE, Ga.

A Georgia police officer is under investigation after a man he pulled over claimed the officer used racially charged language during a traffic stop.

Chris Wilburn filed an open records request for the dashboard camera video after he was arrested on charges of driving alone with a license that required an adult in the car. He was also charged with disorderly conduct for telling the officer he thought the arrest was wrong and for saying, “Jesus, have mercy on all your kids. Have mercy, have mercy.”

Once Wilburn got the tape, he said he was shocked when he heard Monroe police Officer Eric Harrison apparently say, “Bagged me a smart *** (n-word) a while ago running his mouth.”

The comment has Harrison on paid administrative leave and in jeopardy of losing his job.

“I think he should lose his badge,” said Wilburn.

Harrison was allegedly referring to Wilburn when he made the slur. “I hear him say the n-word. That really burned me up,” said Wilburn.

When asked the police chief if it was disorderly conduct on Wilburn’s part for saying, “Jesus, have mercy on all your kids.”

“If the officer perceived there was some kind of threat against his kids, it may,” said Chief Keith Glass with the Monroe Police Department.

As for the slur, Glass said Harrison made the comment after he dropped Wilburn off at the jail. Glass said it was inadvertently recorded and inexcusable.

“He used a term that he shouldn’t have used. There’s no excuse,” said Glass.

Glass said Harrison brought the incident to the department’s attention after one of Wilburn’s relatives told him about it. Wilburn said he is happy he picked up the tape.

“That explains why he stopped me,” said Wilburn.

The department ordered Harrison to apologize but when he tried to, Wilburn told the officer -- "I’ll see you in court." Glass said Harrison was disciplined even though Wilburn never filed a complaint.

Wilburn was supposed to be in court for the charges he faces, but when he arrived he found out court was canceled for the day.

Harrison will find out his fate Friday.