The Brown County District Attorney’s Office has issued charges against a Green Bay Police Department (GBPD) officer who is facing allegations of misconduct related to a traffic stop in the Imperial Pride neighborhood on November 23, 2021, of a driver suspected of attempting to flee.
The incident under review involves Officer Matthew Knutson, a 13-year veteran of the Department.
On October 20, 2022, we were made aware by the Brown County District Attorney’s Office of concerns surrounding the actions taken by Officer Knutson, while he was trying to stop Robert Sanchez, 47, Green Bay, at the time of the incident, for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.
Immediately, the Professional Standards Division (PSD) began an inquiry by reviewing body worn and squad car camera footage amongst other related documents from the incident to compare it to Officer Knutson’s police report details. This initial investigation identified potential conflicts with how Officer Knutson’s patrol vehicle contacted Mr. Sanchez during a foot pursuit, forcing him to the ground. As a result, Officer Knutson was placed on administrative leave on October 22, 2022, and Chief Chris Davis requested an independent law violation investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
On April 18, 2023, the Brown County District Attorney’s Office issued charges of:
- Misconduct in Public Office (Wisconsin Statute 946.12 (4))
- Negligent Operation of Vehicle (Wisconsin Statute 941.01(1))
“We take all allegations of misconduct by Green Bay Police officers seriously, and I am committed to handling them in a way that is objective, thorough, and fair to all involved. I made it clear from the beginning of my time here, and I reiterate again, that I will not tolerate excessive force, ethical violations, or criminal activity by GBPD members. However, in our system of justice, people accused of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty. Officer Matthew Knutson has the same due process rights as any other defendant in a criminal matter,” said Chief Chris Davis, Green Bay Police Department.
The PSD investigation into policy violations is ongoing. We will follow up with findings as well as corrective and disciplinary actions issued upon completion of the administrative investigation.
