A Waterville, Maine, man was taken into custody around midnight after an hours-long standoff with police in which he allegedly refused to come out of an apartment, threatened to kill officers with a firearm, and threw knives at them. John Whitney, 41, of Waterville, was arrested after police arrived at an apartment on Autumn Street at approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, to find him on terrorizing charges connected to several threats he allegedly posted online over the previous days.
TL;DR: Waterville police went to find 41-year-old John Whitney on Oct. 20 over alleged online threats. When he refused to come out and allegedly threatened to shoot officers, a perimeter was set up and negotiators worked for hours. Whitney allegedly threw knives at police before Maine State Police’s tactical team took him into custody around midnight. He faces charges including aggravated reckless conduct and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon.
Police came to find him on terrorizing charges
According to reporting from I-95 Rocks and True Country 93.5, citing Fox 22, Waterville officers went to 10 Autumn Street in Waterville at about 6 p.m. Tuesday to locate Whitney in connection with terrorizing charges stemming from several threats posted online over the previous days.
When officers arrived at the apartment, Whitney refused to open the door, according to the reports. Officials established a perimeter, and the Waterville Crisis Negotiating Team and Critical Response Team began trying to persuade him to come out.
Knives thrown at officers, police say
Instead of surrendering, Whitney allegedly made repeated threats to kill the officers with a firearm. After several hours of negotiations, he still refused to leave the apartment — and allegedly began throwing knives at the police officers stationed outside.
The standoff stretched for roughly five to six hours. Around 11 p.m. to midnight, members of the Maine State Police Tactical Team moved in and took Whitney into custody without further incident, NewsCenter Maine reported.
Medical check, then jail
Police took Whitney to Maine General Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries. He was then transported to the Kennebec County Jail. According to the reports, his first court date is set for late December.
He has been charged with:
- Aggravated reckless conduct
- Criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon
- Terrorizing
- Refusing to submit to arrest or detention
- Creating a police standoff
All charges are allegations. Whitney is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Image credit: Maine State Police cruiser photo via Townsquare Media. Featured image is illustrative and is not from the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested after the Waterville standoff?
John Whitney, 41, of Waterville, Maine. He was taken into custody around midnight after an hours-long standoff at an Autumn Street apartment on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
Why did police go to Whitney’s apartment?
Police went to 10 Autumn Street in Waterville at approximately 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 to locate Whitney in connection with terrorizing charges stemming from several threats he allegedly posted online over the previous days.
How long did the standoff last?
Roughly five to six hours. Police arrived around 6 p.m. Tuesday, and the Maine State Police Tactical Team took Whitney into custody around midnight.
Did Whitney threaten the officers?
According to police, he refused to come out of the apartment and allegedly made several threats to kill the officers with a firearm. After hours of negotiations, he allegedly began throwing knives at officers outside.
Was anyone injured?
No officers were reported injured. Whitney was taken to Maine General Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries before being booked into jail.
What charges does Whitney face?
Aggravated reckless conduct, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, terrorizing, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, and creating a police standoff.
Where is Whitney being held?
He was transported to the Kennebec County Jail after being treated at Maine General Medical Center. His first court date is expected in late December.
What did neighbors see during the standoff?
Residents near Autumn Street saw a large police presence through the evening, with officers establishing a perimeter that blocked access to the area while the negotiating and tactical teams worked.
Which agencies responded?
The Waterville Police Department, the Waterville Crisis Negotiating Team, the department’s Critical Response Team, and the Maine State Police Tactical Team.
