Green Bay Police Officer Matthew Knutson appears in court May 17, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A Green Bay police officer who was convicted of attempted misconduct in public office for how he reported hitting a fleeing suspect with his squad vehicle has decided to resign.
The police department announced Thursday that its internal investigation of Officer Matthew Knutson’s actions was complete. In a meeting with Chief Chris Davis, Knutson notified him he would quit, effective Dec. 31.
Knutson has been on administrative leave since October 2022, when his actions during a traffic stop 11 months earlier came to light. According to department officials, Knutson’s initial report did not say that the vehicle made contact with the suspect.
Comparing body cam and dash cam video to Knutson’s official reports, police said their investigation uncovered problems with how Knutson’s patrol vehicle hit the suspect during a foot chase, forcing the suspect to the ground.
Last month, Knutson pleaded no contest to the attempted misconduct in office charge, while another charge for striking a fleeing suspect with his squad car was dismissed. Judge Donald Zuidmulder fined him $500.
Knutson was previously suspended for 30 days in 2018 following an investigation into bullying and harassment within the police department.
As for the suspect Knutson hit with his vehicle, charges of resisting arrest and operating with a revoked license — were eventually dismissed as a part of a plea bargain which resulted in convictions in other cases, according to District Attorney David Lasee.
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