Illinois police officer charged with head-butting suspect

RIVERTON, Ill. (AP) - A police officer in the central Illinois community of Riverton has been charged with felony aggravated battery and official misconduct after he allegedly head-butted a drunken driving suspect, officials said.

In a news release, the Sangamon County State's Attorney Dan Wright said that Officer Grant D. Peterson was in the station on Feb. 5 when he allegedly grabbed Jacob Melton of Mechanicsburg 'œby the neck and head butted'ť him. According to the (Springfield) State Journal-Register, the 38-year-old Peterson turned himself in to Sangamon County Jail on Wednesday afternoon and was released after posting $500 bond.

If convicted, Peterson faces up to five years in prison.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said his office was conducted an investigation after being contacted by Riverton Police. Campbell's office is also conducting an internal investigation for the Riverton Police Department.

Don Craven, an attorney for the village of Riverton, said Peterson has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. He also said that village board members will be briefed on the incident at a special meeting scheduled for Monday night.

A phone number could not be found for Peterson and a call to Melton's residence was not answered.