Superior Police Say Officer Used Justified Force

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) — A Superior police investigation has found an officer's use of force was justified in an arrest captured by a police dashboard camera.

The Superior Police Department says Officer George Gothner will be back on duty this week after its internal investigation determined he used reasonable force consistent with state and local policies during the January arrest. Gothner had been on administrative duty after the video showed him punching the arrested woman in the face. Gothner has said the woman was scratching him in the face.

Gothner was given a 10-hour unpaid suspension for using vulgar and unprofessional language during the arrest.

A special prosecutor decided not to charge Gothner last month. The woman's misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge from the arrest was dropped soon afterward.