The city of Renton won't pursue cyberstalking charges against the digital cartoonist known as "Mrfuddlesticks."

Instead, officials said Thursday, they will conduct an internal investigation because they believe the cartoonist is a current police officer.

The Web cartoons, initially posted on YouTube in April, poked fun at Renton police. A mustachioed police officer in mirrored sunglasses speaks in a robotic voice about police issues, referring to city employees.

"I'm very happy. This is a victory for free speech," said Seattle trial lawyer Harish Bharti, who filed legal motions to protect the cartoonist.

Last week, Police Chief Kevin Milosevich held a news conference to defend the city's efforts to pursue the cartoonist. Renton prosecutors asked a King County judge to issue a search warrant ordering Google to identify the person who has posted the cartoons.

But Bharti filed a motion to halt the warrant, and on Tuesday a judge agreed — until further legal arguments could be heard.

On Thursday, the city withdrew the warrant.

"There has been no relevant information that we have uncovered to date on the cyberstalking case to further a criminal investigation," Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington said in a statement.

Renton's communications director, Preeti Shridhar, agreed the publicity and commentary about the city was "embarrassing. But the reality is that most of the allegations are untrue."

Other comments referred to cases that occurred more than 20 years ago and have been dealt with, she said.

Covington said the case is about "harassment and intimidation, and it is our duty to protect those who have been harassed."

An internal investigation will prevent a hostile work environment, he said.

"Let me also assure you that this does not have anything to do with violating First Amendment rights," Covington said. "We are committed to protecting free speech and the rights of any individual to express their opinions."

In a legal motion filed Thursday, City Attorney Lawrence Warren denied the city of Renton had violated any provisions of the state or federal constitutions.

Bharti said every cartoonist, reporter and lawyer deserves protection under the First Amendment.

"I'm pleased that good sense has finally prevailed by the chief," Bharti said.

Information from Seattle Times archives is included in this report.

Jeff Hodson: 206-464-2109 or jhodson@seattletimes.com