Introduction to the Incident
A Fort Worth police officer who was fired last year over his use of force during the arrest of a 61-year-old woman has had his termination overturned, according to the city’s police union. Officer Matthew Krueger, an eight-year veteran of the department, was reassigned from patrol following the June 2024 incident and was terminated in December after an investigation found Krueger’s level of force was unjustified and violated department policy, Fort Worth police said at the time of his firing.
The Termination Overturn
According to a statement posted to social media by the Fort Worth Police Officers Association on Monday, a hearing examiner fully overturned the termination and found that “cause did not exist to support any form of disciplinary action.” A Fort Worth police spokesperson said Tuesday that Krueger is already back with the department, but has not been assigned to an area yet.
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Department Response
“The Fort Worth Police Department respects the legal and administrative process for appeals and the findings of the arbitrator,” the statement said.
The Incident
The incident in question happened at about 3:30 a.m. June 23, 2024, in the 1000 block of Foch Street. Krueger was one of several officers responding to a reported hit-and-run involving an alleged drunk driver. Carolyn Rodriguez, known online as CFW Carolina, then approached the officers and began filming on her cell phone.
Rodriguez’s Actions
Rodriguez regularly posts “copwatching” videos on the internet, where she films police officers performing their duties. She has 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. In a livestream posted by Rodriguez and a body camera video released by Fort Worth police, Rodriguez can be seen approaching the officers, filming them and questioning them as they worked the investigation.
Arrest and Charges
Krueger asked Rodriguez to move across the street and threatened to arrest her when she refused to leave, the video showed. As Rodriguez questions again why she is being asked to leave, Krueger tells her she is under arrest and to put her hands behind her back. As Krueger is placing a hand on her wrist, Rodriguez can be seen taking a step forward. Krueger then tells her to stop resisting and throws her to the ground, and tells her again to stop resisting as she is lying facedown on the ground.
Injuries and Aftermath
Rodriguez and her attorney at the time said she was knocked unconscious during her arrest. In a video posted after the incident, she could be seen with a black eye, a bloody nose and other cuts around her eye and mouth. She also said in the video she sustained a concussion, dislocated shoulder and elbow and needed to get stitches. Rodriguez was charged with interfering with public duties, making a false alarm or report and resisting arrest. In December, she was found guilty of interfering with public duties but not guilty of making a false alarm or report. The resisting arrest charge was waived. She was sentenced to 30 days in Tarrant County jail and the judge later modified the sentence to give her 15 months probation.
Appeal and Violation
Rodriguez’s attorney said she planned to appeal the sentence. According to court records, the court granted Rodriguez an appeal bond in late December, which suspended the imposition of her probation. Court records show Rodriguez violated the terms of the bond on Jan. 5 and on June 27 after she failed to remain more than 25 feet away from law enforcement officials conducting their duties. Rodriguez’s conviction was affirmed by Texas’ Sixth Court of Appeals last month, records show.
Conclusion
The termination of Officer Matthew Krueger has been overturned, and he is back with the Fort Worth Police Department. The incident that led to his termination involved the arrest of Carolyn Rodriguez, who was filming the officers on her cell phone. The use of force by Krueger was found to be unjustified, but the hearing examiner later overturned the termination. The case highlights the importance of respecting the legal and administrative process for appeals and the findings of the arbitrator.
FAQs
Q: What was the incident that led to Officer Matthew Krueger’s termination?
A: The incident involved the arrest of Carolyn Rodriguez, who was filming the officers on her cell phone. Krueger used force during the arrest, which was found to be unjustified.
Q: What was the outcome of the appeal?
A: The termination of Officer Matthew Krueger was overturned, and he is back with the Fort Worth Police Department.
Q: What were the charges against Carolyn Rodriguez?
A: Rodriguez was charged with interfering with public duties, making a false alarm or report and resisting arrest. She was found guilty of interfering with public duties but not guilty of making a false alarm or report. The resisting arrest charge was waived.
Q: What was the sentence for Carolyn Rodriguez?
A: Rodriguez was sentenced to 30 days in Tarrant County jail and the judge later modified the sentence to give her 15 months probation.
Q: Did Carolyn Rodriguez appeal the sentence?
A: Yes, Rodriguez’s attorney said she planned to appeal the sentence. The court granted Rodriguez an appeal bond in late December, which suspended the imposition of her probation.
