Dixon standoff suspect Jonathan Gounaris hires new defense attorney

OREGON, Ill. (WTVO) — Jonathan Gounaris, 32, the man who allegedly shot three deputies in a Dixon standoff last year, has hired a new defense attorney.

Gounaris was previously represented by a public defender, but a motion was filed in court today to replace them with private attorney William Wolf.

Three Ogle County deputies were injured in June after Gounaris allegedly opened fire on them during a standoff situation at the Lost Lake community just outside of Dixon.

According to Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle, on June 12, at 8:39 a.m., police were called to the 400 block of Wild Rice Lane.

VanVickle said a 911 call was made by a family member, claiming Gounaris had threatened them and himself.

Multiple agencies, including the Ogle County Sheriff and first responders from Dixon, Oregon, Mount Morris, and Polo, were called to the scene.

The SWAT team and hostage negotiators were called at 9:18 a.m., and repeatedly tried to make contact with the suspect, VanVickle said.

At 11:51 a.m., authorities made entry into the home and, “immediately upon entering the house, our deputies received fire.” Police returned fire, incapacitating the suspect.

Police said Gounaris was armed with multiple firearms, a fixed-blade knife, pepper spray and ballistic armor.

Two of the three deputies injured in the shooting were transported to KSB Hospital, according to Nancy Varga, Chief of Staff. The other deputy was flown to OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford and underwent surgery.

Gounaris was denied pretrial release and is in custody at the Winnebago County Jail.