(RepublicanPress.org) – The Gun Violence Archive tracks shootings that happen in the United States. Some of those incidents involved the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to keep communities safe. As of June 13, 171 police officers were injured by guns, and 33 were killed. One of the more recent incidents happened in northwest Illinois.
On June 12, deputies from the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call from a woman who said her son was thinking about committing suicide or homicide. When the emergency team arrived on the scene, the police began hostage negotiations by attempting to call the people inside the home — to no avail. So, the deputies decided to enter the home, where they were fired upon, and a gunfight ensued. During the exchange, the suspect was hit, but so were three of the deputies.
One of the officers was shot in the arm, one in the armor, and a third in the face. The less seriously injured were taken to a hospital in Dixon, were treated, and released. However, the deputy who was shot in the face was flown to a hospital in Rockford, where they underwent surgery. All three deputies are now in good condition. Their identities have not been made public and the Sheriff’s office did not say when they would return to duty.
After the fight was over, the suspect, Jonathon Gounaris, was lying by the door surrounded by several firearms, pepper spray, a knife, and armor. News reports did not make it clear whether the man was alive or dead at the scene.
Sheriff Brian VanVickle commended all law enforcement agencies involved, the fire departments, doctors, hospital personnel, and the flight crews for their response during and after the incident. He also thanked the “public for their overwhelming support.” The Illinois State Police are conducting an investigation into the incident.
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