Officer Accused of Using Unlawful Force Against Compliant Suspect
A West Allis police officer has been charged with a felony after prosecutors alleged he used excessive force against a compliant suspect during an arrest earlier this year.
According to a criminal complaint, 32-year-old Officer Anton Best has been charged with one count of misconduct in public office, alleging he acted in excess of his lawful authority during the arrest of a man on January 30, 2026. If convicted, Best faces a maximum penalty of three years and six months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Court records indicate his initial appearance is scheduled for July 30, 2026.
Incident Began After Vehicle Pursuit
According to the criminal complaint, the incident began when West Allis police responded to a vehicle that reportedly had no license plates and significant front-end damage.
Authorities allege the vehicle fled from officers before ultimately crashing in the neighboring city of Brookfield. Two occupants reportedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Investigators state officers followed footprints in the snow to a residential neighborhood, where one of the occupants was located in the front yard of a home.
The complaint alleges the man surrendered by lying on his back with his hands raised before complying with officers’ commands to roll onto his stomach.
Three officers then began applying handcuffs.
Criminal Complaint Details Alleged Use of Force
According to prosecutors, Officer Best was initially standing nearby while other officers secured the suspect.
The criminal complaint alleges Best then approached the man’s head and “hopped” before forcefully dropping his left knee onto the right side of the man’s neck and shoulder blade.
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The complaint states the man grunted immediately after the impact.
After being escorted to a squad vehicle, body-worn camera footage allegedly captured the following exchange, according to the complaint:
“Did you make sure your foot was on my neck, good?” the man asked.
“No, that was me, buddy,” the officer allegedly replied.
“Aww, you?”
“That was me, buddy.”
“You take pride in that, right?”
“Sure do.”
These statements are allegations contained within the criminal complaint and have not been proven in court.
Other Officers Reportedly Corroborated Events
According to the criminal complaint, multiple officers at the scene provided statements regarding the incident.
The complaint alleges:
- One officer described the maneuver as an “unnecessary drop knee kick.”
- Another officer reportedly stated Best used his body weight to drive his knee into the man’s upper back and shoulder blade.
- Officers indicated the man was not actively resisting arrest when the force was allegedly used.
Investigators also allege the man later complained of neck pain and appeared to have difficulty holding his head upright following the arrest.
Department Requested Independent Investigation
The West Allis Police Department stated department leadership became aware of the incident shortly after it occurred.
In a public statement, the department said:
“An initial review indicated that the use of force did not appear to be consistent with State of Wisconsin guidelines or West Allis Police Department use of force policies and training.”
According to the department, the Brookfield Police Department was asked to conduct an independent investigation.
Following that investigation, the case was referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.
The department stated Officer Best was initially assigned to administrative desk duty during the investigation and has since been placed on administrative suspension following the filing of criminal charges.
The department further stated:
“The West Allis Police Department is committed to ensuring that officers conduct themselves within the law, State of Wisconsin use of force training and the policies and training of the West Allis Police Department.”
Current Status
- Officer Anton Best has been charged with felony misconduct in public office.
- The alleged offense stems from a January 30, 2026 arrest.
- The officer has been placed on administrative suspension.
- An independent investigation was conducted by the Brookfield Police Department before referral to prosecutors.
- Court records indicate Best’s initial court appearance is scheduled for July 30, 2026.
- As of the filing of the charges, court records do not list an attorney representing Best.
- The criminal allegations remain pending, and Best is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge has the officer been accused of?
According to prosecutors, Officer Anton Best has been charged with felony misconduct in public office for allegedly acting in excess of his lawful authority during an arrest.
Was the suspect resisting arrest?
According to the criminal complaint and statements attributed to officers at the scene, investigators allege the man was compliant and was not resisting while officers applied handcuffs. Those allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
Was body camera footage involved?
Yes. According to the criminal complaint, investigators relied in part on body-worn camera footage documenting the alleged use of force and subsequent conversation between the officer and the arrestee.
Who investigated the incident?
The West Allis Police Department requested the Brookfield Police Department conduct an independent investigation before the matter was referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
Has the officer been convicted?
No. Criminal charges have been filed, but the case remains pending. Under the law, the officer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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