Dixon man seeks release for mental health treatment

A man from Dixon, Illinois, charged with attempting to kill three police officers, is seeking release for mental health treatment. Jonathon Gounaris, 32, is facing serious charges after a standoff with police in June. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held in Winnebago County Jail. During a court hearing, Gounaris' lawyer argued that his client's mental health issues contributed to the incident. The lawyer described Gounaris as "delusional" and "paranoid." The judge has previously denied Gounaris’ requests for release multiple times, citing community safety concerns. The standoff occurred on June 12, 2024, when police responded to a call about Gounaris' suicidal and violent threats. The Ogle County Emergency Response Team was called after attempts to contact Gounaris failed. When police entered his home, they were met with gunfire from Gounaris, resulting in injuries to three deputies and Gounaris himself. The defense claims that police used excessive force during the entry, while the prosecution insists that Gounaris posed a serious threat. They noted that he was armed and wearing a bulletproof vest. Gounaris' next court appearance is scheduled for April 7, where further arguments regarding his release and a potential change of trial venue will be heard.