Fort Worth Officer Krueger Reinstated After Use-of-Force Termination Overturned

Officer Matthew Krueger, a Fort Worth police officer fired in December 2024 for using excessive force during the arrest of Carolyn Rodriguez, a YouTuber who films police interactions, has had his termination overturned following a successful appeal. The incident occurred in June 2024 during a hit-and-run investigation, where Krueger arrested Rodriguez after she refused to move as requested, using force that led to her hospitalization. Initially, an internal investigation and then-Police Chief Neil Noakes found Krueger's actions unjustified and against department policy, resulting in his firing. However, a hearing examiner ruled that there was no cause for disciplinary action, fully vindicating Krueger and aligning with findings from the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office and the FWPD Use of Force Committee, which declined to file criminal charges. The Fort Worth Police Officers Association applauded the decision, calling it a common-sense outcome and expressed disappointment at the original termination. Krueger has since been reinstated but has not yet been assigned to a patrol area.