'Street preachers' arrested at Springfield's Taste of Country

Two men were arrested for disorderly conduct Saturday during Springfield's annual Taste of Country event after becoming aggressive, yelling at bystanders and calling them names as they tried to promote religious messages, according to Springfield Police Chief David Thompson.

"They were these 'street preachers' who were very loud and disruptive and told to tone it down," Thompson said. "They were asked to follow the code of conduct posted for the event. But they were exhibiting aggressive behavior."

Thompson said two of them became belligerent, calling people "sinners" and telling them they would go to hell.

"They were holding up a sign showing a photo of an aborted fetus," Thompson said. "We gave these guys every opportunity to back down, but they were looking for a fight."

Springfield police arrested John Laymond Davis, 49, of Albemarle, N.C., and John E. McGlone, 54, of Breeding, Ky. Both men were charged with disorderly conduct. They were booked and released from Robertson County Jail the same day on $1,500 bond.

The Chamber of Commerce organizes Taste of Country each year and posts large signage at every entrance noting the festival's code of conduct, which excludes unauthorized solicitation and offensive, harassing or vulgar language.

Jordan Osborne, the chamber's vice president of operations, said she was harassed when she tried to point out the code to the men.

"They were hostile, pointing at people. They called me a 'jezebel' and told me I was going to hell," Osborne said. "When you see people wanting to fight, it's scary."

Osborne said two vendors packed up and left when the dispute began.

"We worked very hard at putting this family event together for the community," Osborne said. "These guys came in and tried to take it hostage."

Thompson said the two men arrested were part of a group of a dozen who were passing out literature and preaching to people.