CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC (WBTV) –

Deputies in Cleveland County were taunted by employees and served tampered food at a fast food restaurant while taking a lunch break in their uniforms, according to law enforcement sources.

The sources confirmed the accusations to WBTV after a post was made online by the wife of a Cleveland County deputy. “As they walked up to place their orders, the boys in the back cooking the food started yelling at them and calling them names,” the wife wrote about her husband’s trip to the Zaxby’s restaurant in Shelby.

She said her husband and his partner, who were both on duty and in their uniform, ignored the insults and continued ordering. “Then, as they sat down to eat their food, my husband realized [they] had put the hottest sauce possible on [his] wings – to the point where his food wasn’t even fit to eat,” she continued.

WBTV spoke to the deputy, who asked that his name not be used. He said the incident happened Sunday afternoon. Cleveland County Capt. Joel Shores said he was angered but not surprised by the incident.

“Years ago, this profession was respected, it was honored. Now to get ridiculed, to be a target, to possibly get shot at, for little pay… what’s the motivation to be a police officer other than do it because your heart’s in it to help the community?” Shores said.

Shores said it’s not about the taunting, that’s something they face every day. “If you’re not ready to be ridiculed, law enforcement is not the job for you, especially in today’s world,” he said. He wishes people would realize the actions of a few don’t speak for the entire law enforcement community.

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