Caledonia Argus

Police investigation refutes manís claims of brutality

Posted: 2/11/03

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

An investigation into allegations that Caledonia Police Officer James Logan used excessive force while arresting a Spring Grove man has concluded that the charges are unfounded. The results were discussed by the Caledonia City Council Monday evening.

The investigation was conducted by Caledonia Police Chief Duane St. Mary and stemmed from complaints filed with the police by Mark O. Knutson, 43, of Spring Grove and Knutsonís parents, Lawrence and Loretta Knutson.

In his complaint against Officer Logan, Knutson claimed that he was struck about 30 times with a police baton and that Logan intentionally sprayed his nine-year-old son with pepper spray. Knutson also claimed that he was so badly beaten, he needed to have CPR performed on him. He also said that Spring Grove police officer Paul Folz hit him and kicked him in the ribs.

According to the report of the incident released Monday night, on December 6, 2002, Officer Logan was dispatched to a residence south of Caledonia after Knutsonís estranged wife reported that Knutson had violated a restraining order. Logan arrived at the home about 7 p.m. and spoke with Knutson. Logan reported that Knutson became belligerent after Logan informed him that he was going to be taken into custody. Logan called for assistance less than a minute after informing Knutson that he was going to be arrested, according to a transcript of a tape that recorded that eveningís events. Knutson had been sitting in a hot tub with his children when Logan arrived, and Logan followed Knutson down the stairs so he could get his children and his clothes. According to the account by the Caledonia Police, Logan sprayed Knutson with Mace after Knutson tried to strike him with the Styrofoam cover from the hot tub. The report says that Officer Logan and Knutson struggled, and that Knutson fell backwards onto some stairs and cut his head.

Officer Heath Dienger of Caledonia and Paul Folz of Spring Grove arrived on the scene about 7:07 p.m. and helped Logan subdue Knutson. An ambulance was called to the scene.

The report does not corroborate Knutsonís account that he had CPR. Also, the report states that Knutson was conscious and talking on the way to the hospital.

According to Knutsonís medical report released by St. Francis Hospital, there was an abrasion on the back of the scalp and some tenderness in the rib area. A CT scan performed on December 30 was normal, according to the report.

In his report, Chief St. Mary commented, ìUpon review of the facts of this incident, I believe Officer Logan was within the scope of his authority and used reasonable amount of force, including the use of a chemical agent, to arrest and take into custody Mark Knutson. There is no evidence that Mr. Knutson was hit 30-40 times on the chest or head. That Mr. Knutson lost consciousness and that CPR was done on him. There is no evidence that Officer Logan directly and or intentionally shot a chemical agent at his children.î

Knutsonís parentsí complaint included charges that after picking up their son from the emergency room, they were stopped in La Crescent by several officers who had their guns drawn. According to the report released by the police, the video of the event shows that no weapons were displayed, and that two officers were holding black flashlights. The report said that the officers were acting on the advice of County Attorney Rick Jackson to take Knutson back into custody upon his return to Minnesota.

According to Mayor Robert Burns, City Attorney Tim Murphy will now contact an independent agency which will conduct its own investigation.

Councilman John Klug questioned whether a police officer should attempt to arrest a suspect by himself or wait for additional officers to arrive. Councilman Mark Schiltz, who is a jailer/dispatcher with the Houston County Sheriffís Office, said that officers are trained to respond to those types of situations on their own. He also noted that Logan had called for assistance shortly after arriving on the scene.

Knutson also filed a complaint against Officer Folz, and that complaint will be handled in Spring Grove.

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