Oswego village president asks for ‘patience and understanding’ during investigation of Portillo’s altercation

Oswego Village President Troy Parlier asked the community and area residents to practice “patience and understanding” as the Oswego Police Department investigates a May 16 physical altercation between a customer and employee at Portillo’s.

Prior to the public comment portion of the May 18 Village Board of Trustees meeting, Parlier addressed the situation in a brief statement before a crowded room.

“We wish violent incidents would never happen in our community. But unfortunately one occurred this past weekend,” Parlier said.

According to information released by the Oswego Police Department, officers are investigating a Sunday, May 16 altercation between a white customer and a black employee at the Oswego restaurant in the 2800 block of Route 34.

Oswego police confirmed in a statement issued May 18 that the incident began as a verbal confrontation over a spilled beverage between a 48-year-old Aurora man and an 18-year-old employee from Montgomery while the customer was in his vehicle in the drive-thru lane. The confrontation turned physical after the customer exited his vehicle.

Officers stated that the employee was transported, treated, and later released at an area hospital, after suffering a sprained elbow and having hair ripped from his head. The customer declined treatment, but received injuries to his face and “abrasions on other areas of his body,” according to the May 18 statement.

Authorities have since interviewed both men. The customer reportedly came voluntarily after the incident to the village police department to speak with law enforcement officials, while the employee spoke with police Monday evening.

“We understand the concern over this incident in the community and are working to gather information as quickly as possible to understand the full picture of what transpired,” Oswego Police Chief Jeff Burgner said in the press release.

“Given community tension around this incident, it is our goal to ensure that this investigation is conducted throughly and accurately to ensure justice for the parties involved,” Burgner said.

Parlier addressed the work facing the OPD during his comments, calling Oswego a community, “Overflowing with good citizens and goodwill.

“We see this every day, and especially this past year during the pandemic. We know Oswego is one of the fastest-growing communities in Illinois, and despite a population increase of almost 10% over the past five years, the crime rate has dropped over 40% during that same time,” he said.

“This can be attributed to the efforts of our police force, through community partnership and education.”

“Unlike most walks of life,” Parlier said, “Our police force does not get the luxury of a grace period, a do-over, or for that matter, to be wrong,” he said. “They don’t get a second chance, they have to make sure it’s right the first time.

“They’ve been working long hours investigating this incident. To this end, they’ve received video surveillance footage only yesterday, have interviewed those involved in the incident and have more interviews scheduled,” he continued. “They’ve been working with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, and of course the public, releasing information as it becomes available.

“We are grateful for the participation of the community and ask those that have information to come forward.

“We all look forward to a just resolution of this matter. In the meantime, we ask for patience and understanding, as the investigative process is completed in a thorough and professional manner.”