Police Officer Who Punched Superior Woman To Receive 10-Hour Suspension

A Superior police officer accused of using excessive force during an arrest earlier this year will receive 10 hours unpaid suspension for “improper communication.”

A police dash cam video of the January incident showed Officer George Gothner punching Natasha Lancour, a Superior woman, while placing her under arrest.

Superior Police Chief Charles LaGesse said an internal investigation found that Gothner did not violate department policies on use of force. The department also sought outside review from the state’s Training and Standards Bureau. LaGesse said the review found that Gothner acted within approved Law Enforcement Standards Board training.

“We’re not disciplining on the aspect of the video that most people find alarming,” said LaGesse. “We’re actually disciplining for improper communication.”

LaGesse said that Gothner and other officers receive the same training each year that all officers receive when certified in Wisconsin. He said Gothner will return to patrol. Lancour’s attorney is seeking civil damages.

Watch the video of the incident below, taken from dash cam footage from Gothner’s squad car. Footage showing Gothner’s struggle with Lancour starts at about 2:10.