URBANA – Many calls to authorities about an Urbana man allegedly burning an American flag then being threatened over it resulted in his arrest, then later, his release.

Urbana Police say they received calls about a Facebook post involving Bryton Mellott, who was shown burning an American flag. The contents of that post caused some to call and request police action again Mellott.

Meanwhile, others were calling to express concern for Mellott’s safety and those around him. According to Urbana Police, many had threatened violence against Mellott and his place of employment on the post itself.

Officers viewed the post and discovered that there were a rapidly growing number of social media responses.

Given the number of responses and specific threats against his place of employment, where Urbana Police say an act of violence would likely cause harm to others, they became involved in the case.

After investigating the incident and speaking to both Mellott and his employer, he was placed under arrest for flag desecration.

According to Urbana authorities, the police report lists Mellott as an offender of both flag desecration and disorderly conduct, it but also lists him as a victim of disorderly conduct.

Mellott was later released from custody after the Urbana Police Department consulted with a member of the State’s Attorney’s Office. He was then given a notice to appear in court. Authorities say they released him as there were questions about the constitutionality of the 2013 Illinois flag desecration law.

In a press release from the Urbana Police, they said the following:

“The Urbana Police department recognizes that this is a case where the right of free speech comes into conflict with the safety of uninvolved citizens. The actions taken in this case have been to try to assure the safety of the public and Mr. Mellott. The Urbana Police urge the public to express themselves in a peaceful way and to not retaliate against unpopular speech.”

WAND News will have more on this case as it develops.