Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s deputy resigns after posting photo of severed arm
(ABC 6 News) – A Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s deputy has resigned after sharing a photo of a man’s severed arm on the social media platform Snapchat.
Allan Shafer, 22, passed away after colliding with a deer on a motorcycle in Plymouth, Iowa, on March 31.
First responders would pronounce Shafer dead at the scene.
Sheriff’s Deputy Russell Jensen would then take a photo of Shafer’s arm which had separated from his body in the crash. Jensen shared the photo on the social media platform SnapChat with the caption “that’s a OBSCENITY arm with the jacket still on.”
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals has since issued a statement announcing Jensen resigned on April 5.
The full statement can be read below.
“If he made that post, the wording on there is very explicit,” said John Choate of Plymouth. “I feel like, it’s probably an emotional response. Nobody wants to see that. Nobody wants to see a dead 20-year-old that’s been injured and dismembered in a way like that.”
Cassie Shackleton of Mason City also shared her thoughts with ABC 6.
“I am ‘Back the Blue’ all day. However, we all have to suffer the consequences of our mistakes. I’ve made plenty in my life. Whatever the law, whatever they decide, it’s going to be that. I don’t think he did it maliciously. But I think he made a mistake.”
While the community shares mixed emotions, Shafer’s kindness leaves a lasting memory. One neighbor remembers when Shafer and his brother lent a helping hand.
“He helped me when I was in a little trouble by my cattle pasture with my truck. I didn’t ask him to stop. He stopped voluntarily. He and his younger brother helped me out of a pickle with my truck. He’s a good man.”