No charges to be filed against Superior Police Officer accused of excessive force
Superior, WI (NNCNOW.com)--- A Bayfield County Attorney has decided that no charges will be filed against a Superior Police Officer accused of using excessive force during an arrest in January.
The investigation has been nearly nine months long."
In his written decision, Bayfield County District Attorney Fred Bourg criticized Officer Gothner's actions saying "His failure to make any attempt to reasonably assess the situation when coming onto the scene, his aggressive approach, his rude verbal assault on Lancour, and the manner in which he attempted to overcome Lancour's verbal and physical protest, bring disrepute to his police agency."
Bourg went on to say use of force protocols were also not followed, and the public was offended to see a police officer punching a woman in the head as opposed to using other tactics to overcome her resistance.
Bourg says not following protocols, however, is not akin to committing a criminal act but that there was ample evidence that Gothner's actions were rude, in poor taste and unnecessarily violent.
Video at link shows a weather report: http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/No-charges-to-be-filed-against-Superior-Police-Officer-accused-of-excessive-force-279788372.html