Oswego Police Chief: Department Will Move Quickly in Internal Investigation

Oswego Police Chief Dwight Baird said Thursday he will move quickly to conduct the department’s internal investigation into one of his officers allegedly involved in a standoff in Channhahon Wednesday night.

Barid, who was called to the scene of the police standoff with 11-year department veteran John. P. Wolfinbarger of Yorkville, said it is essential to uphold the integrity of the department and the village in the investigaiton.

“Every citizen is entitled to due process pending an investigation. We’re going to investigate this most expeditiously,” Baird said. “We’re going to protect the rights of the officer, but we also have to protect the integrity of the department and the village.”

READ MORE: Oswego Police Officer Arrested in Channahon Standoff

Wolfinbarger was charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing a police officer and DUI alcohol after 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 Wolfinbarger trying to leave in a black pick-up truck.

They surrounded the vehicle, but Wolfinbarger would not speak with police and did not exit the truck for 15 to 20 minutes.

Baird said he is collecting all police reports from the incident and will begin his investigation shortly thereafter.

“I don’t anticipate this being very complex, and I don’t see this taking a very long time. It should be settled relatively quickly,” Baird said.

Wolfinbarger was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. He was released by Channahon police late Wednesday night on a personal recognisance bond. 

Grundy County State's Attorney Jason Helland said he has yet to determine whether Wolfinbarger's charges will remain misdemeanors or if he'll be charged with any felony counts. 

Channahon police Sgt. Shane also confirmed that a field sobriety test was administered to Wolfinbarger, but not as part of the criminal investigation. 

"As far as criminal matters go, he refused all chemical testing, but as part of Oswego’s internal proceedings, it’s my understanding that he provided chemical testing for them," Casey said. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information from Grundy County State's Attorney Jason Helland.