Hostage situation ends in deaths of 19-year-old gunman and victim in Polo

POLO, Ill. (WTVO) — A 19-year-old hostage taking gunman is dead, along with one of his victims, during a incident in Polo Saturday night.

According to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, around 11:58 p.m., the 911 center received a call that a man had been shot with a handgun in the 500 block of W. Mason Street.

Deputies learned the 19-year-old suspect had shot the victim and was holding other household members hostage.

However, police said the hostages were able to escape the residence prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

Both the suspect and victim were found dead at the scene.

An investigation into the incident is underway, police said, and there is no further threat to the community.