Maine Man Allegedly Threw Knives at Police During Standoff

A standoff in Waterville ended in an arrest, but not before the suspect allegedly threw knives at the police.

Maine Man Arrested After Standoff in Waterville

The suspect is John Whitney, 41, of Waterville.

Police went to 10 Autumn Street in Waterville at approximately 6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to locate Whitney in connection with terrorizing charges stemming from several threats posted online over the last few days.

Police Say a Waterville Man Allegedly Threw Knives During a Standoff

When Waterville Police arrived at the apartment, Whitney refused to open the door and allegedly made several threats to kill the officers with a firearm.

Officials set up a perimeter, and the Waterville Crisis Negotiating Team and Critical Response Team began trying to get Whitney to come out of the building.

After several hours of negotiations, Whitney still refused to come out of the apartment, and allegedly began throwing knives at the police officers.

Waterville, Maine Faces Multiple Charges After a Police Standoff

Around midnight, members of the State Police Tactical Team took Whitney into custody without further incident.

Police took him to Maine General Medical Center for minor injuries, then transported him to the Kennebec County Jail.

He's been charged with:

• Aggravated reckless conduct
• Criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon
• Terrorizing
• Refusing to submit to arrest or detention
• Creating a police standoff

His first court date will be in late December.

We'll update this story as more details become available.