Caledonia Argus

Knutson disputes outcome of police investigation

Posted: 2/19/03

Mark Knutson, the Spring Grove man who accused Caledonia Police officer James Logan of assault, is disputing the outcome of the investigation by the Caledonia Police Department which found that Logan used a reasonable amount of force when trying to arrest Knutson on December 6 for violating an order for protection.

The results of the internal investigation were presented to the city council on February 10. Knutson has claimed that he suffered internal injuries from being beaten by Logan and Spring Grove police officer Paul Folz. He also says that his heart stopped during the incident, and that he required CPR.

ìDewey (Police Chief Duane St. Mary) didnít investigate anything,î said Knutson. ìI think mainly what he did was write up a story.î

Knutson said that he has witnesses who will testify that CPR was performed by Caledonia Police Officer Heath Dienger. Dienger denies ever having performed CPR on Knutson.

Knutson said he plans to contest the results of the investigation.

ìTo me itís all bogus, because Logan did hit me. My boy will testify to it.î

In another development, on February 6, District Court Judge James Fabian turned down a request from Knutson for a restraining order against Folz and Logan, saying that there is no evidence that unreasonable force was used against Knutson.

In regard to that hearing, Knutson commented, ìThere is evidence, I just didnít have my witnesses at the time.î

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