FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth police union is not happy with Chief Neil Noakes’ decision to fire an officer for an arrest that injured a woman.
On Wednesday, Officer Matthew Krueger was fired from the Fort Worth Police Department.
He had been under investigation since June following the arrest of Carolyn Rodriguez. That investigation determined the level of force Officer Krueger used to take her into custody was "unjustified" and against department policy.
Chief Noakes agreed with the assessment and terminated Officer Krueger.
Fort Worth police officer fired for arrest that injured woman
A Fort Worth police officer has been fired after injuring a woman during an arrest.
What People Are Saying: The Fort Worth Police Officer’s Association released a statement saying it is "shocked and disappointed" by the chief’s decision.
The police union pointed to the fact that the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office refused to file criminal charges against Krueger because there was "no criminal conduct committed."
FWPOA also said Chief Noakes ignored the experts on FWPD’s Force Review Board who determined the technique Krueger used is taught in the department’s training academy.
"Due to Chief Noakes' decision today, individuals like Ms. Rodriguez will only be empowered in the future to interfere with legitimate police actions, making the job of protecting the citizens of Fort Worth even more difficult and dangerous for the brave men and women of the FWPD," FWPOA said in a statement.
Fort Worth police officer being investigated for use of force
A Fort Worth police officer is being investigated for use of force against a woman during an arrest.
The Backstory: On June 23, 2024, Officer Krueger was one of the officers to respond to a hit-and-run crash on Foch Street.
A suspected intoxicated driver crashed into another vehicle and a building before running from the scene on foot.
While officers were investigating the crash, Rodriguez approached and questioned police while livestreaming on her social media site.
Krueger told Rodriguez multiple times to move across the street so police could secure the scene, but she refused. Krueger then placed her under arrest.
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Fort worth police officer being investigated for use of force
A Fort Worth police officer is being investigated for use of force against a cop watcher during an arrest.
Security and body camera video show Rodriguez being swung to the ground. She had to be treated at the hospital for the injuries she suffered during the takedown.
She posted a picture of her injuries on her social media page.
Carolyn Rodriguez
Rodriguez was later charged with the interference of public duties, resisting arrest, and making a false alarm or report.
Earlier this year, a Tarrant County jury found her guilty of interfering with public duties. She was sentenced to a fine and jail time.
What’s Next: Officer Krueger, who has been with the department for about eight years, does have the option of appealing his termination.
The FWPOA said it is confident an unbiased third-party hearing examiner will reinstate him during arbitration.