Bad Cop

Superior Police Officer George Gothner

Over a year ago Superior Police Officer George Gothner responded to assist his fellow officers with a disturbance between a few people at Keyport Liquor. He shows up as two men are being led away in handcuffs. A black female, Natasha Lancour, appears to be upset but is not really creating any kind of danger or major interference in the situation. Gothner thought otherwise and dragged her by her hair, slammed her face first into the hood of his car and gives her an open handed slap. It's only then that Lancour reaches up defensively to what a Bayfield County District Attorney to not be assault. Things were just starting. Gothner gives Lancour several closed fist punches and takes her to the ground, which was also not assault according to a DA. What was assault was that one moment where Lancour reached up to defend herself. The charge was eventually dropped against her, but not before a court battle. Gothner did not get in trouble for beating Lancour repeatedly in the face, but did face 10 hours of unpaid suspension for some of the language he used against her. Examples like this don't help the feeling that society is starting to get. The feeling that the police can do anything they want to people and get away with it.