Overnight looting, damages confirmed in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Local law enforcement officials have confirmed that there were multiple incidents of looting and vandalism in Springfield Sunday night.

After what seemed like a peaceful protest in the capital city, things quickly escalated, with windows being broken, stores being looted, and signs being vandalized.

One group of people defaced the Springfield Police Department's sign.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said another group of protesters worked to help clean off the graffiti.

Another group surrounded and berated a Newschannel 20 and FOX Illinois reporter and photojournalist.

Campbell said this was just the tip of the iceberg.

"They did report some looting in various spots around the city," Campbell said. "Some broken windows and what have you. Some businesses and a bank had some broken windows. It just kind of varied around the city."

PNC Bank on 11th Street in Springfield had its front window smashed.

Campbell said for some businesses, the damage was severe, but in the city overall, they came out with minimal harm.

"If you look at the overall viewpoint where there was no major injuries, so, I would say that compared to other cities around Illinois that we probably dodged an issue for the most part," Campbell said.

Campbell said two people were arrested for destruction of property, including the one who spray-painted graffiti on the SPD sign.

Campbell believes the extra presence by law enforcement helped prevent anything worse from happening.

"We were all on board doing anything we can to help," Campbell said.

A protest took place at the State Capitol at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 1.

Campbell said he is working with the Capitol Police and Springfield Police to ensure all these protests are done safely and that civilians are protected.

"We have been preparing," Campbell said. "We will continue to monitor these protests and will hold people accountable...we also recognize there are peaceful protesters who just want to get a message across and we respect that."