The Winnebago City Council held a special meeting Tuesday night to discuss a complaint filed against a part-time police officer.
After nearly 25 minutes behind closed doors, council members decided not to take any disciplinary action against Colton Ryg, who has been with the department since last June.
Council member Rick Johnson may have given a hint as to what city officials might do at a future meeting.
Johnson made a motion to have the city make a $750 payment, however, at the advice of City Attorney David Frundt it was quickly taken off the table.
Frundt had no comment on Johnson’s motion and would only say that more information could be expected at an upcoming council meeting.
Frundt provided a complaint filed on Dec. 18, 2017, by Elmore Police Chief Steve Linde.
According to the complaint, Ryg entered a hairstyling business in Albert Lea to talk with the owner to find out why his girlfriend was fired.
Ryg reportedly requested a copy of his girlfriend’s personal file, but the employee told him she could not give out the information.
The employee says Ryg told her he was going to file a lawsuit because, “This isn’t right.”
Ryg told the employee he was a police officer, says the complaint, and lifted up his shirt to show her his badge.
“Here is my badge, we will see what happens,” Ryg told her.
The employee says Ryg left the store and sat in his truck with his girlfriend for about seven minutes before returning.
According to the complaint, Ryg again requested a copy of his girlfriend’s personal records. At this point, the employee says she felt concerned for her and her co-worker’s safety.
After Ryg left the store, the employee called the Albert Lea Police Department. However, no criminal charges were filed.
On Dec. 11, Albert Lea police contacted the Elmore Police Department by phone and e-mailed a copy of their report.
In a summary by Linde, the police chief says Ryg violated at least three policy principles.
Attempts to contact Linde to find out if Ryg is an officer with the department and whether disciplinary action was taken were unsuccessful.