Disorderly Conduct/barricaded Subject

  On Friday July 22, 2011 at approximately 10:29P.M. Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to 6293 Blackhawk Rd. Cherry Valley in regards to a possible hostage situation. A caller to 911 indicated that Ken A. Neal (DOB 1-16-52), the resident of the home, possibly was holding his son and grandchild hostage and was armed with a shotgun. Deputies arrived and found that there were no hostages, however Neal was in the residence and refused to come out. It was determined that Neal had been involved in on-going domestic disputes with family members and has placed at least two hang-up calls to 911. Hostage negotiators were called to the scene, along with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police SWAT team. Negotiators made phone contact with Neal and spoke to him for several hours at which point he refused to speak any further and advised he would not come out of the house. The case was reviewed with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and a warrant for Disorderly Conduct was authorized and obtained. The SWAT team then made entry to home through a back sliding door and took Neal into custody. He was transported to the Winnebago County Jail and lodged. No weapon was recovered. The charge against Neal is merely an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.