The West Linn Police Department has placed a patrol officer on paid administrative leave and launched an internal investigation after discovering that some of his social media posts appear to endorse violence against members of the Black Lives Matter movement, the police chief confirmed Thursday.

Chief Terry Timeus said an investigation is underway to determine whether Officer Tom Newberry violated department or city policies. When reached by phone Thursday evening, the chief said he didn't know enough about the posts or the information being reviewed to comment on the investigation, but said he was disturbed by what he had seen so far.

Timeus described seeing a screen capture of one shared story of protestors blocking a roadway, and Newberry commenting that when facing "such mobs" to push the "right" car pedal to the floor.

"To say the least, I am extremely disappointed if those were in fact his posts, and I don't take my officers posting stuff like that lightly." Timeus said. "To be honest, it pisses me off."

He added that he doesn't "appreciate my officers or any citizen posting stuff that's inflammatory against any movement or any race."

Newberry has been part of the West Linn Department for at least seven years, Timeus said, and served with the Portland Police Bureau before that. A phone number listed for Newberry went to voicemail, but did not have a working messaging system.

On Wednesday, a Facebook post referencing nationwide protests planned for Friday included the comment, "So Day of target practice?"

On Sunday, his feed included another story on Black Lives Matter protesters being hit by a car. The headline read "Screw 'white guilt' - drivers show 'Black Lives Matter' that they shouldn't block traffic".

Newberry wrote, "I'll just leave this right here."

Timeus said the department learned of the posts around 12:30 p.m. Thursday and placed Newberry on desk duty soon after that. He confirmed later in the evening that the officer was placed on leave. A police lieutenant and sergeant are overseeing the investigation, he said.

Timeus estimated the department's social media policies are at least five pages long.

Newberry's First Amendment rights have to be taken into account, Timeus said, but if it's found that he "stepped over a line," he will be held accountable.

"Until we have enough facts, I don't want him tried in the media for something that may be protected speech," Timeus said "He does have the right, like any other citizen, to express his opinions."

Earlier this week, the president of Seattle's police union announced he would resign in response to a controversial Facebook post about last week's mass shooting in Dallas. Investigators say the gunman, a black Army veteran, specifically targeted white cops, killing five and wounding seven, before being killed himself.

"Dallas PD and their officers are in our thoughts and prayers ... The hatred of law enforcement by a minority movement is disgusting... Heads in swivels brothers and sisters... #Weshallovercome," the post read.

The Seattle Police Officers' Guild subsequently deleted its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

On Wednesday, Newberry shared a story of the resignation on Facebook disagreeing with the former union president's decision.

"HAVE SOME.BALLS!" the comment read, "TELL THEM TO GO POUND SAND AND STAND UP FOR YOUR TROOPS!"

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey