Fort Worth Police Officer’s Termination Overturned Following Appeal
In a notable turn of events, a Fort Worth police officer who was dismissed last December for allegedly using excessive force during an incident has successfully appealed his termination. This decision was announced by city officials on Monday.
Officer Matthew Krueger, who was terminated following his conduct during the June 2024 arrest of a YouTuber, had his dismissal overturned after a thorough review process. The incident led to medical attention being required for the woman who filmed the scene of a hit-and-run accident.
Details Surrounding the Incident
The controversy originated from an event that took place on June 23, when police were called to a hit-and-run accident involving a suspected intoxicated driver in the 1000 block of Foch Street. During the occupation, a woman named Carolyn Rodriguez approached the officers and began recording the scene with her phone.
According to reports, Officer Krueger advised Rodriguez several times to move to the opposite side of the street. After her refusal to comply, he proceeded to place her under arrest. This led to a confrontation where Krueger’s use of force was deemed excessive, ultimately causing Rodriguez to require medical treatment at a local hospital.
Consequences for the Individuals Involved
Following the incident, Rodriguez was charged with multiple offenses, including interference with public duties, resisting arrest, evading arrest, and making a false alarm. Interestingly, she runs a YouTube channel showcasing various interactions with law enforcement, drawing public attention to her activities.
At the time of the incident, Officer Krueger had served the Fort Worth Police Department for eight years. His termination was initially justified through an investigation by the Major Case and Internal Affairs units of the Fort Worth police, which concluded that his use of force violated department policy.
Response to the Appeal Outcome
President of the Fort Worth Police Officers’ Association, Lloyd Cook, expressed his initial surprise and disappointment at Krueger’s termination. After the appeal’s successful outcome, the association released a statement commending the decision, labeling it a “common-sense action” that vindicated Officer Krueger.
The Fort Worth Police Officers’ Association noted that the hearing examiner found no cause to support any disciplinary action against Krueger. The organization emphasized that this finding was in alignment with the conclusions drawn by the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, as well as the FWPD Use of Force Committee.
Currently, the Fort Worth Police Department has chosen not to comment specifically on Officer Krueger’s case, although they recognize his right to pursue an appeal.
Summary of Charges Against Carolyn Rodriguez
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Interference with Public Duties | Attempting to obstruct police officers in their duties |
| Resisting Arrest/Detention | Failure to comply with lawful arrest by the officer |
| Evading Arrest | Avoiding or fleeing from the arrest process |
| Making a False Alarm/Report | Providing misleading or untrue information to law enforcement |
