New body camera footage reveals the intense confrontation that unfolded in Dixon, Illinois, when three deputies were shot while responding to a home after a 911 call about a man threatening suicide and homicide.
In a shocking incident captured on body camera, three deputies in Ogle County, Illinois, were shot and injured during a confrontation at a home in Dixon on June 12. The suspect, 32-year-old Jonathan Gounaris, is now facing charges of attempted first degree murder and several weapons offenses.
The harrowing footage, released by the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, shows deputies approaching the home after receiving a 911 call about a man threatening suicide and homicide. Despite repeated attempts by hostage negotiators to make contact with the individual, an emergency response team was deployed into the home.
Three Deputies Wounded in Dramatic Shootout Caught on Bodycam
As the deputies entered the home, they were immediately met with gunfire. Body camera footage captures the chaos and fear as the deputies shouted "Shots fired!" and returned fire. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, three deputies sustained injuries.
Tactical medic Tyler Carls of the Rochelle Fire Department was struck in the armor, City of Oregon Police Sergeant Tad Deminsky took a gunshot wound to the upper arm, and Lieutenant Jason Ketter of the Ogle County Sheriff's Office was hit in the face.
Three Deputies Wounded in Dramatic Shootout Caught on Bodycam
Body camera footage shows Emergency Response Team members rushing to assist Ketter, who was bleeding profusely from his facial wound. Meanwhile, Deminsky was pulled away from the scene with a gunshot wound to his upper arm.
The suspect, Gounaris, was located inside the home with a gunshot wound to his stomach. He was transported to a local hospital for surgery. Authorities confirmed that all three deputies shot in the incident have since been released from the hospital.
Three Deputies Wounded in Dramatic Shootout Caught on Bodycam
During a press conference, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle praised the bravery of the deputies involved in the shootout. "Their heroic actions likely prevented further injuries or even loss of life," VanVickle said.
Gounaris is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for a bond hearing. He remains in custody at a local jail.
Three Deputies Wounded in Dramatic Shootout Caught on Bodycam
Police disclosed that Gounaris was in possession of multiple firearms, a fixed-blade knife, pepper spray, and ballistic armor. A firearms owner's identification card belonging to Gounaris was reportedly revoked prior to the incident due to a clear and present danger report.
The Illinois State Police are handling the investigation into the shooting. VanVickle stated that a review of the incident would be conducted at the conclusion of criminal proceedings against Gounaris to determine whether any agency policy violations occurred.
Three Deputies Wounded in Dramatic Shootout Caught on Bodycam
The incident has shaken the community of Dixon and highlighted the dangerous risks faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Residents expressed gratitude for the bravery of the deputies and wished them a speedy recovery.
