State police investigate video of metro-east cop allegedly punching woman
Illinois State Police agents are investigating a physical altercation between two Brooklyn police officers and two women early Sunday at the intersection of Fourth and Madison streets.
The struggle between the women and police officers was captured on at least two videos, which have since been posted on Facebook where they are racking up thousands of views.
Brooklyn Police Chief Tony Tomlinson said Thursday that the altercation is being investigated by Illinois State Police and that he could not comment on the specifics of the case.
An Illinois State Police spokeswoman said the incident occurred about 4 a.m. Sunday at the corner of Fourth and Madison streets but she declined to release any other details.
In one video, a male police officer apparently throws a punch at a woman who is wearing a red dress, who then fell backwards onto the street. The audio recorded the use of profanity and racial slurs, apparently from the person operating the camera.
Also, a woman can be heard saying “Get my phone” at least three times. Shortly after she says this, a police officer picks up an item off the street and throws it.
A person who apparently is taking the video tells the man that he is “going to jail” and asks for his badge number.
The audio includes a man’s voice saying “I swear to God” at least three times during the struggle. This video is about 40 seconds long.
The second video is taken from farther away and shows a woman apparently being handcuffed near a tow truck and then later swinging a leg at an officer. After this swing, she ends up on the street.
This video is about 79 seconds long.
“The Village of Brooklyn is committed to ensuring that the facts are reviewed carefully and responsibly,” Tomlinson said in a news release Thursday. “Public trust is critical to the Village of Brooklyn. Further information will be forthcoming to the community when available.”
This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 3:34 PM.
