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Posted: Sunday, 07 June 2009 9:25AM
Deputies investigated for picking fights at bar
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ROUND LAKE HEIGHTS, Ill. (STNG) -- Two Lake County correction's officers have been placed on administrative leave, after patrons at a Round Lake Heights bar complained the two men were picking fights early Thursday morning.
Sheriff Mark Curran confirmed Saturday the two unidentified off-duty jail deputies -- both of which have been with the Sheriff's Office less than a year -- are being investigated for their alleged actions at Richard's bar at 900 W. Rollins Rd. in Round Lake Heights.
According to Round Lake Heights police reports, customers claim the two deputies, a 23-year-old from Round Lake Beach, and a 27-year-old from Winthrop Harbor, were instigating fights inside the bar. The incident was reported about 3 a.m. Thursday, as the bar was closing.
Reports show that numerous bar patrons claimed the two were drunk and flashed their badges and stated: "We're cops, you can't touch us." A female witness also claimed the 23-year-old deputy had a knife.
No charges were filed against the officers. An incident report filed by Round Lake Heights police officers says witnesses "didn't want to get involved and testify against a cop."
Curran said he doesn't condone any employee starting fights.
"Whether they need to or not, [officers] are held to a higher standard, because they're the ones enforcing the law," Curran said.
The incident ended with responding officers telling the two deputies to call for a ride home.
Because both men have less than a year experience, they are still on probation at the Sheriff's Office, and are not represented by a union. While the incident is investigated, the pair has been placed on paid leave.
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Copyright 2009 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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