A West Linn police officer was fired Wednesday after the conclusion of an investigation into controversial posts on his Facebook page.

Officer Tom Newberry had been on paid administrative leave since mid-July. His Facebook page featured posts that appeared to endorse violence against the Black Lives Matter movement.

For example: The day before he was placed on leave, he posted a story about a Black Lives Matter protest and asked, "So Day of target practice?"

And when sharing a story with a photo showing people climbing on a tractor-trailer, he said "When encountering such mobs remember, there are 3 pedals on your floor. Push the right one all the way down."

The city manager and police chief declined to say why Newberry was fired. Chief Terry Timeus said the investigation into whether Newberry violated department or city policies is closed.

Newberry is a former Portland officer who had been with the West Linn department for at least seven years at the time he was placed on leave. He couldn't immediately be reached for comment Thursday evening.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

Everton Bailey Jr. of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report