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Former cop involved in Sterling shooting "should have never been hired"

Posted at 11:52 AM, Aug 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-01 12:52:52-04

Former Baton Rouge police officer Blane Salamoni has reached a settlement agreement with the department's leadership that allows both parties to finally sever ties after Salamoni was fired for his role in the 2016 fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling, which ignited nationwide protests more than three years ago, our media partners at The Advocate report.

Police Chief Murphy Paul announced Thursday morning that the deal will "ensure he will never be policing the streets of Baton Rouge again," the newspaper reports.

Paul said Salamoni should never have become an officer at the Baton Rouge Police Department because he did not disclose a prior arrest for domestic abuse — which Paul said should have made Salamoni unqualified for the role.

"He should have never been hired," Paul said. But also in a review of his conduct during his short time as an officer, Paul said they found a history and pattern of aggression and unprofessional interactions with residents.

To read the Advocate's full story about the announcement, click here.