Downstate town says cops are over-zealous

WASHBURN, Ill. — Some people in the typically quiet central Illinois town of Washburn are making noise about what they see as over-zealous policing by some local officers.

Signs around town accuse local police of bring thugs and untrained after a pair of recent incidents left a resident of nearby Metamora hospitalized and led to another man being pinned to the ground at a local festival.

The Journal-Star newspaper in Peoria reports hat a village board meeting is planned for Tuesday to hear complaints and gather information. Washburn is about 25 miles southwest of Peoria.

Police Chief Craig Rutledge says three part-time officers have been taken off active duty and the incidents are under investigation.

Rutledge said he knows many local residents are upset.