Oswego Police Officer Arrested in Channahon Standoff

A 43-year-old Oswego Police Officer was in custody Wednesday night after a standoff in a plaza off Route 6 in Channahon.

John. P. Wolfinbarger, 43, of the 12000 block of Mackenzie Road in Yorkville was charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing a police officer and DUI alcohol. Wolfinbarger is an 11-year veteran of Oswego Police Department.

Channahon police responded to a call from patrons at Chicago Pizza & Catering Company that a man was inside arguing with someone and that he had a gun. While witnesses were speaking to police on the scene, they saw the man trying to leave in a black pick-up truck.

They surrounded the vehicle, but the man inside would not speak with police.

"He threw his wallet out the window," Channahon Police Chief Jeff Wold said. "He did have a loaded weapon; he just would not speak with us at first."

Not knowing what the situation would be, police shut down Route 6 between Yellow Pine Drive and Ridge Road and no one was allowed in or out of the plaza. Police went to each business and asked patrons to remain where they were.

It took between 15 and 20 minutes to get Wolfinbarger to exit the vehicle.

Oswego Police Chief Dwight Baird told Patch Wolfinbarger is an 11-year veteran of the force and is a patrol officer. 

Baird also said late Wednesday night that Wolfinbarger has been put on administrative leave effective immediately. 

"The Oswego Police Department investigates all allegations of misconduct against any employee of the department, whether on and off duty," Baird said.