Clatskanie police chief under investigation for alleged racial c - KPTV - FOX 12

The chief of police in Clatskanie is on paid administrative leave due to allegations he made racist remarks.

City Manager Greg Hinkelman and Mayor Diane Pohl confirmed to FOX 12 that Chief Marvin Hoover has been placed on leave pending an investigation.

No other details were released about the allegations, with Hinkelman citing the active investigation into the "alleged racial comments."

Hinkelman said Hoover was put on leave Wednesday and a labor law firm is now investigating.

"My mission is to find the facts," Hinkelman told FOX 12 on Thursday. "Obviously, there's been an allegation leveled against the chief. Per my past practice, I investigate allegations that appear to be very serious in nature."

Hoover, 56, joined the Clatskanie Police Department in 1999 and was promoted to chief in 2002.

Hoover received a medal of honor from the Oregon Peace Officers Association for rushing to the aid of Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter, who was shot and killed in 2011. Hoover, according to FOX 12 records, was one of three law enforcement officers who shot at the suspect, Daniel Butts. 

Community members say the allegations regarding Hoover come as a surprise.

"It seemed like he always did a good job and took care of people and cared," said former neighbor Don Salmon. "I'm really disappointed and upset that he'd make any kind of comments like that."

"I'm surprised hearing it," Linda Salmon added. "I'd never think that would come from Marvin." 

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