Miami-Dade Police Officer Faces Termination for Failing to Investigate Colleague for DUI
Investigation Reveals Officer’s Inaction
A Miami-Dade police officer, Anthony Santillan, is facing termination after an internal investigation found that he failed to investigate a colleague, Willy Knapp, for driving under the influence (DUI) despite being told by witnesses that Knapp appeared intoxicated.
Key Findings
- Santillan falsified a crash report, stating that alcohol was not suspected, despite witnesses telling him that Knapp appeared under the influence.
- The officer failed to properly investigate the crash, not interviewing or approaching Knapp to determine if signs of impairment were present.
- The disposition panel found insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation that Knapp was driving under the influence, as Santillan did not conduct a DUI investigation.
The Incident
On October 1, 2022, at around midnight, Officer Willy Knapp rear-ended a car, causing a 16-year-old driver to suffer injuries. Witnesses, including the driver’s mother, Juliet Samalot, and a woman who accompanied her to the scene, told police that Knapp appeared intoxicated, slurring his speech, stumbling, and having trouble walking.
Officer’s Response
Santillan, the responding officer, did not investigate the crash or Knapp’s alleged intoxication. Instead, he walked past Knapp and asked, "How’s it going?" Knapp replied, "What’s up, my brother? How are you?"
Internal Investigation
An internal investigation found that Santillan’s actions were inadequate and that he had failed to conduct a proper investigation, including not interviewing or approaching Knapp.
Consequences
Santillan’s actions have been recommended for termination by the department director, Stephanie Daniels. He remains employed until a pre-determination meeting with the director, after which he could be formally dismissed.
Defense
Santillan has written a memo in which he states that he "could have been more proactive in conducting my investigation" but "at no time did I intentionally misrepresent or falsify any matter." He also claimed that he was on "autopilot" when completing the crash report and that he did not intentionally falsify the report.
Additional Information
Willy Knapp, the officer involved, is a 29-year veteran of the department and is the brother of Mario Knapp, who is running to become Miami-Dade County sheriff. Neither Willy Knapp nor Santillan has responded to requests for comment.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the incident?
A: Officer Willy Knapp rear-ended a car, causing the 16-year-old driver to suffer injuries. Witnesses reported that Knapp appeared intoxicated.
Q: What did Officer Santillan do?
A: Santillan failed to investigate the crash, did not interview or approach Knapp, and falsified a crash report stating that alcohol was not suspected.
Q: What are the consequences for Officer Santillan?
A: He is facing termination, and his actions have been recommended by the department director. He remains employed until a pre-determination meeting with the director.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is complete, and the department has released the internal affairs records and body-worn camera video.
