LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A former officer who was fired by the Lafayette Police Department was hoping to get his job back, but his appeal was denied by the Lafayette Fire and Police Civil Service Board Wednesday.

Alex Ritter, 30, of Lafayette, was arrested on malfeasance in office charges and fired from the Lafayette Police Department on April 6, 2021.

Ritter allegedly attacked a suspect on Dec. 31, 2020 near the parish jail. 

The board unanimously determined that Ritter was not protected by the classified civil service system at the time of the incident due to his hire date of Jan. 26, 2020, one month shy of civil service protection.

According to court documents, Ritter’s alleged victim, Edmond Thornton, was arrested and charged with armed robbery, simple escape from custody, battery of a police officer and resisting arrest.