A Monongahela police officer is under scrutiny after video circulating on social media captured an apparent confrontation with a group of teenagers in which the officer used a homophobic slur while threatening to jail one of the young people. Monongahela is in Washington County, approximately 25 miles south of Pittsburgh.
The incident reportedly occurred following complaints about teenagers loitering and making noise at a local McDonald’s. The mother of a 15-year-old involved in the encounter acknowledged on Facebook that her son and other teens had been disruptive before police became involved.
But the officer’s response has prompted criticism and raised questions about the conduct expected of law enforcement officers, particularly when interacting with minors.
In the video, the officer can be heard telling one of the teenagers, “When you turn 18, I’ll be glad to put you in jail, you f****t.”
The footage has circulated online, drawing attention to the officer’s use of homophobic language and his approach to handling the encounter.
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Monongahela Police Chief Kevin Harris confirmed to WPXI that the officer in the video is employed by the department and said he is working to address the officer’s behavior.
The officer has not been officially identified in connection with the incident.
It remains unclear whether the department has initiated a formal investigation, placed the officer on administrative leave, or taken disciplinary action.
Local residents have expressed concern about the officer’s behavior, particularly his use of offensive language toward a minor.
