Three Deputies Injured in Northern Illinois Home Crisis

Estimated read time 4 min read

On Wednesday, three sheriff’s deputies were hurt when they responded to a crisis in a house located in the Lost Lake area near Dixon, Illinois. The person causing trouble, Jonathon Gounaris, got injured during the gunfire exchange. This news is reported by Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle.

 

About the Incident

The situation started at around 8,30 a.m., initiated by a family member’s report stating that Gounaris planned on committing suicide and was also threatening other people’s lives. After several attempts to establish contact via phone with Gounaris, the decision was made to send an emergency team into the residence at 11,51 a.m.

“Our deputies walked into gunfire as soon as they entered the house,” said VanVickle. The officers returned fire and wounded the suspect.

Injury Counts and Action Taken

VanVickle explained that various departments were involved in handling this incident including Dixon, Oregon, Mount Morris and Polo’s first responders along with Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. The SWAT team arrived on scene by 9,18 a.m., accompanied by hostage negotiators to help resolve this situation.

The three deputies got medical attention right after being wounded. Two were taken to KSB Hospital while one deputy went through surgery at OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford flown there via helicopter. All of them are doing well now including the suspect, assured VanVickle.

 

Law Enforcement Reaction

The investigation of this shooting will be conducted by Illinois State Police Department according to VanVickle who also praised police officers’ bravery and commitment. Local politicians also expressed their support and appreciation for the police force.

Democrat Illinois State Rep. Bradley Fritts denounced the violence and said, “I denounce this brutal attack on officers who went there to ensure everyone’s safety including the offenders. I send my thoughts and prayers to the three wounded officers and every Ogle County Sheriff’s Department member coping with this awful occurrence.”

Republican Illinois State Sen. Win Stoller also praised the bravery of the officers saying, “Their commitment to securing our communities, especially during these tough times, is deeply valued.”

Scene Description

Media caught footage from a drone which showed major police activity in that locality. Personal and official vehicles were seen assembled everywhere on dirt roads while officials grouped together. Yellow crime scene tape blocked one driveway as an Ogle County Sheriff’s mobile command center halted at driveway’s end.

Lost Lake referred by its property owners’ association as a country style neighborhood house around 700 property owners. This unincorporated area close to Dixon, Franklin Grove and Oregon lies nearly 90 miles towards Chicago’s west.

 

A Detailed Timeline of Events

1. At 8,30 a.m., Police got a call about Gounaris causing harm due to a family member’s report.

2. At 9,18 a.m., Both SWAT team members along with hostage negotiators came to scene.

3. At 11,51 a.m., Cops entered home facing gunfire.

4.At noon, Wounded deputies along suspect suffer injuries after shootout.

 

Investigation and Planned Steps

Illinois State Police Department is responsible for conducting a detailed probe into this gunfire involving police officers. The importance of this comprehensive investigation was highlighted by VanVickle for ensuring both accountability and transparency. Locals along with local officials are waiting for the investigation results to understand the incident completely which will help in avoiding similar future incidents

 

Reaction by Local People

This shooting has affected citizens deeply as shock is visible throughout the neighborhood. Support from locals and officials is coming in for deputies who got injured during course of their duty, showing need for unity during these hard times.

Completing his statement, Sheriff VanVickle stated, “In this area we are lucky to have committed law enforcement professionals who did not hesitate before stepping into a risky situation for making community members safe.”

 

Conclusion

Daily dangerous incidents, like Lost Lake community shooting one, pose risks to law enforcement officers’ lives. Community has shown unified support towards injured deputies along with their families as investigation continues. This event shows clearly dangers posed towards maintaining public safety while indicating its huge impact on community.

Celina Brooks https://www.southcountymail.com

Celina Brooks from Mussoorie is a Writer & Researcher. She earned her Engineering degree in IT from Rutgers University. She is a technology enthusiast but loves writing and talking about local news as well. She is a jolly person with 2 children.

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