Authorities in a northwest Illinois community confirmed that three Ogle County Sheriff’s deputies were injured after exchanging gunfire with a suspect in Dixon.
The suspected gunman, Jonathon Gounaris, was also injured and underwent surgery at a local hospital, according to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident took place after police responded to a home in the Lost Lake gated community for reports of a shooting just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
A woman told 911 dispatchers her son was having “suicidal and homicidal ideations,” according to the sheriff’s office. An emergency response team was activated and arrived at the home at 10:20 a.m.
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Three Ogle County (Illinois) Sheriff’s deputies were injured in a shooting on Wednesday afternoon, officials confirmed. (FOX 59)
Hostage negotiations began, and 50 phone calls were then made with no answer.
Officials said they were unable to contact the person for over an hour, and due to the lack of communication, they decided to enter the home.
Immediately upon entering, deputies were fired upon. The deputies returned fire and managed to incapacitate the suspect. During the exchange of gunfire, one deputy was struck in the armor, one suffered a gunshot wound to the upper arm and one was struck in the face.
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Three deputies are in good condition, according to authorities, following a shooting Wednesday afternoon in Dixon, Illinois. (FOX 59)
Police said they lactated the suspect, Gounaris, inside the front door of the residence with multiple firearms, a fixed-blade knife, pepper spray and ballistic armor.
In total, three deputies were shot and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Two were transported to KSB Hospital in Dixon, treated for their injuries and have since been released. One was flown to OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford and underwent surgery Wednesday evening.
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Three Ogle County Sheriff’s deputies are in good condition following a morning shooting in Dixon, Illinois. (WIFR VIA NNS)
They are all said to be in good condition, according to police.
“I would like to personally thank all law enforcement for their response to this incident and express my sincere gratitude to the multiple fire agencies, hospital staff, MD-1 Physicians, Flight crews, and the general public for their overwhelming support during this very difficult time at the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Brian VanVickle said.
The Illinois State Police are handling the investigation moving forward.