Vancouver officer fired for lying about affair with woman

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — A Vancouver police officer has been fired for allegedly lying about an affair he had with a woman who he met on a ride-along.

The Columbian reports that Leonard Gabriel was fired last week after an internal investigation accused him of providing false information and unbecoming conduct. Gabriel argues he has been wrongfully terminated and is appealing his firing.

Documents from the investigation say Gabriel initially denied having a sexual relationship with the woman he met during the ride-along in 2013. They say he later admitted he had lied to try to save his marriage.

Gabriel was placed on leave after the woman filed for a harassment protection order against him.

The case was submitted to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, but prosecutors declined to file charges.