A DeKalb man was arrested Thursday after a three-hour standoff with police. Two schools were put on lockdown and some neighbors were evacuated during the incident. Police blocked off streets and brought in military-style equipment while trying to convince John F. Sommer, 45, to turn himself in.
Police received a report of a domestic dispute at 108 Fisk Ave. Responding officers say Sommer threatened to kill them. Two family members escaped the home and officers retreated, closing off the area.
Nearby Clinton-Rosette Middle School and Camelot School were placed on lockdown while the DeKalb County Special Operations Team moved in on the apartment building. Police from DeKalb, Northern Illinois University, Sycamore, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department were joined by a trained negotiator and an armored vehicle. Police say Sommer’s threats against the police escalated: he told them he had guns and would use them.
Heavily-armed officers left the armored vehicle and entered the apartment building shortly after 3 p.m. They arrested Sommers: no one was injured. He was taken to Kishwaukee Hospital for a psychological evaluation.
Police seized the following weapons from Sommer’s home:
• 12 gauge Mossberg Shotgun
• .22 and .410 caliber Rossi long gun
• Taurus Judge .410 gauge handgun
• .380 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun
• Century AK Style Assault Rifle 7.62 mm
• Combat Knife
• A variety of ammunition
In a news release, DeKalb Police Chief Gene Lowery said, “This afternoon, a high-risk situation that involved weapons was resolved without injury to the offender, innocent bystanders, or the police. All of the public safety personnel involved acted in a professional and effective manner to safely end a situation that could have otherwise had a tragic outcome.”
The DeKalb County State’s Attorney is reviewing the case and will determine what criminal charges will be brought against Sommer.