Latest news with #OgleCounty
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
North Carolina man identified in fatal skydiving accident near Rochelle
Jul. 11—A 40-year-old North Carolina man has been identified as the individual who died in a skydiving incident near Rochelle on July 9. Brandon M. Schmidt, of North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, was found with "significant injuries" after the accident, the Ogle County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a Friday news release. Ogle County deputies responded to a report of a skydiving incident involving an uncontrolled descent about 6:50 p.m. July 9 in the area of 8887 S. Route 251, Rochelle. Upon arrival, deputies found Schmidt in the parking lot of the facility, suffering from significant injuries, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. Schmidt was taken to Rochelle Community Hospital by the Rochelle Fire Department, where he was later pronounced dead. A second skydiver involved in the incident was found at Koritz Field — Rochelle Municipal Airport and also was taken to Rochelle Community Hospital with minor injuries, VanVickle said. A preliminary investigation indicates that the two skydivers collided in midair, resulting in canopy collapses for both individuals. Reserve parachutes were deployed, but the collision led to the uncontrolled descent of one skydiver, the sheriff said. The incident remains under investigation by the Ogle County Sheriff's Office in coordination with federal authorities.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Illinois skydiver, 40, dies in unbelievable mid-air freak accident
An Illinois skydiver has died after he spiraled into an uncontrollable descent in the state's second fatal parachuting accident in a week. The 40-year-old, who has not been named, collided with another thrill seeker in mid-air after setting out from the Chicagoland Skydiving Center on Wednesday evening. The incident left one of the divers dead and the other with minor injuries. Both skydivers' reserve parachutes were deployed in the crash, but one of them was unable to gain control and crash landed in a parking lot. Officers with the Ogle County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene shortly after the crash in the area of 8887 S Illinois Route 251. Deputies say they quickly located a man in the parking lot of the facility who had suffered significant injuries. He was transported to Rochelle Community Hospital by the Rochelle Fire Department, where he was later pronounced deceased. His name is being withheld until the family can be informed, according to the sheriff's department. The other skydiver involved in the incident was found at Koritz Field–Rochelle Municipal Airport, and was also transported to Rochelle Community Hospital with minor injuries. A preliminary investigation indicates the two skydivers collided mid-air, resulting in canopy collapses for both individuals. The incident remains under investigation by the sheriff's office in coordination with federal authorities. It marks the second fatal skydiving accident in Illinois this week. On Monday, 48-year-old Dr Noel Liu, a dentist, died after a jump at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa. The coroner and La Salle County Sheriff's office are continuing to review and investigate the incident. According to a news release, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are assisting, CBS News reported. Dr Liu's wife, Nazish Jafri, shared the news of his death on social media, remembering him as someone who 'touched many lives with his warmth and enthusiasm.' She described him as a man who 'lived a life full of fulfillment and satisfaction, always pursuing his passions with courage.' Jafri also called Liu 'an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and mentor.' A forensic autopsy was conducted the day after Dr Liu's death. Preliminary results are pending, and additional testing may follow, according to LaSalle County Coroner Richard Ploch, the Peoria Star Journal reported.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
Attorney granted more time to review information in fatal Mt. Morris shooting
Jul. 6—OREGON — The attorney for a Mt. Morris man accused of shooting and killing his stepson after an argument in their Mt. Morris apartment in April told an Ogle County judge on Wednesday, July 2, that he needs more time to examine information given to him by prosecutors. "The state has provided a substantial amount of discovery," Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow told Judge Anthony Peska. "It's going to take me awhile to go through it." Derek Swanlund, 45, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the April 21 death of Cameron Pasley, 25, also of Mt. Morris, in what police described as a "domestic" incident. Swanlund is facing three counts of first-degree murder and a misdemeanor charge of using a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun without having a Firearm Owner's Identification card. During an April hearing, prosecutors said the Mt. Morris Police Department responded first to the scene after receiving a 911 call at 4:59 p.m. from Pasley's mother, in which she said her husband had shot her son. When a Mt. Morris police officer arrived at the scene, she saw Swanlund walking away from the apartment complex while carrying a black and silver handgun in his right hand, according to police. Assistant State's Attorney Melissa Voss said a verbal argument inside the apartment evolved to "shoulder bumping" with Pasley, after which Swanlund shot Pasley. When more officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Pasley inside the apartment, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds, Voss said. Pasley was pronounced dead at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon after being transported from the scene by Mt. Morris EMS. Pasley's mother told police she had entered a different room after arguing with Swanlund and after he "belly bumped" her into her son. She then heard Pasley say 'He shot me'," Voss told the court. Morrow said Swanlund had no criminal history other than one misdemeanor charge for which he received and completed court supervision. He said Swanlund had purchased the gun legally when he lived in North Carolina. In arguing for Swanlund to be released, Morrow said Swanlund had lived in Mt. Morris for 10 years, had been consistently employed while residing there, and cooperated with police when they arrived at the scene. "He was not aggressive in any way," Morrow said during the April detention hearing as he argued for Swanlund's release while his case proceeds through the court system. Morrow said conditions could be set by the court to enable Swanlund to be released from custody, such as having no contact with the victim's family, electronic monitoring, home detention, and being ordered to stay out of Mt. Morris. Voss disagreed, arguing Swanlund "was walking away with blood on his shoes" when he was apprehended. Peska denied Morrow's request to release Swanlund from custody, saying an argument "escalated to shoulder bumping and then escalated to retrieving a gun and shooting his stepson" multiple times. On Wednesday, Peska set the next court hearing for 1 p.m. Aug. 27, and remanded Swanlund to the Ogle County Jail. Pasley was a 2018 graduate of Oregon High School and a full-time custodian, previously the night custodian at the Blackhawk Center, where the school's physical education classes and competition basketball and volleyball games are held, and had recently moved to days.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Wauconda man among 2 fatally shot in Polo
Jun. 19—POLO — Two men are dead following a Saturday night shooting at a Polo home. Joshua M. Conway, 19, of rural Polo and Michael C. Gul, 29, of Wauconda were both found dead on the third floor of a Polo home late Saturday night, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said in a news release Monday afternoon. The Polo Police Department and Ogle County Sheriff's Office responded to the home in the 500 block of West Mason Street late Saturday night after receiving a report of a shooting with one adult male victim and at least one adult female held at gunpoint by another male inside the residence. On Monday, law enforcement identified Conway as the male with the handgun. "The female was able to flee the residence with other members of the household," VanVickle said. During the course of the investigation, members of the Ogle County Emergency Response Team and the Northwest Critical Incident Response Team entered the residence and located Conway dead on the third floor of the home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, VanVickle said. Gul was also found dead on the third floor. Crime scene investigators were at the home at 512 W. Mason St. on Sunday morning. An additional search warrant was executed Sunday, June 15, at a separate residence associated with Conway, VanVickle said. Autopsies for Conway and Gul were performed Monday, June 16, at the Ogle County Coroner's Office in Oregon. Those results are pending. "The investigation remains ongoing," VanVickle said. Police responded to the home after the county's 911 center received a call at 11:58 p.m. of a shooting at the home, located on the northeast corner of Cherry and West Mason streets on the west side of Polo. "Initial information indicated that an individual had been shot with a handgun. Upon further investigation, it was determined that a 19-year-old male suspect had shot an occupant and was holding additional household members hostage inside the home," VanVickle said in a Sunday news release. "The hostages were able to escape the residence safely prior to the arrival of law enforcement." Due to the severity of the situation, the Ogle County Emergency Response Team was activated along with the Northwest Illinois Critical Incident Team and the residential area was cordoned off while officers investigated, VanVickle said. The Polo Police Department was assisted by the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, Ogle County Emergency Response Team, Northwest Illinois Critical Incident Response Team, the Polo Fire Protection District, Dixon Rural Fire Protection District, Mercy Health Systems MD-1, Illinois State Police Crime Scene, Ogle County State's Attorney, Ogle County Coroner's Office and Polo Street Department. On Sunday and Monday, city officials along with the Polo Police Department and Polo School District issued statements regarding the deaths. Polo city officials released this statement: "In the wake of the tragic incident on June 14, 2025, our community is reminded of the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our first responders. The Polo Police Department, alongside many other law enforcement teams, demonstrated extraordinary commitment in ensuring the safety and security of our residents during an unimaginably difficult situation. "Their swift action, coordination, and courage in the face of crisis embody the highest standards of public service. We extend our deepest gratitude to these individuals for their tireless efforts and continued dedication to our community's well-being. "Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic event, their families, and all who have been affected. No words can fully capture the sorrow of such a loss, but we stand in solidarity with those grieving and offer our deepest condolences. In times of tragedy, it is more important than ever that we support and uplift one another, reminding ourselves of the strength and resilience of our community. We will continue to keep those impacted in our thoughts as we navigate this difficult time together." Polo Police Department "We at the Polo Police Department are at a loss for words following the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred over the weekend. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time. "If you or someone you know is in need of support, resources, or simply someone to talk to, please refer to the message below. You are not alone, and help is always available. "Our hearts are heavy as we process the tragic event that occurred in our community." Polo School District "In alignment with the sentiments of our city, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Polo Police Department and all the first responders who acted swiftly and with steadfast professionalism to ensure the safety of our community. Your courage and dedication during this incredibly difficult time are deeply appreciated. "We know this tragedy has deeply affected many in our community. To offer support, counseling services will be available to students and staff on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Polo Community High School. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance — we are here for you during this time of healing. "Together, we will navigate this difficult time with strength and unity."
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dixon man accused of attempted murder still wants trial moved out of Ogle County
May 31—OREGON — A private attorney representing a rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers said he will be pursuing a motion made by a former Ogle County public defender to hold the trial outside the county. Jonathon Gounaris, 33, is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possession of a firearm without a firearm owner's identification card — all of which stem from a June 12 standoff with police in the rural Dixon subdivision of Lost Lake. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford. Originally, Gounaris was represented by former Assistant Public Defender William Gibbs, who left the office in August. Then, the case was taken over by Assistant Public Defender Michael O'Brien, who left the office in mid-April. Gounaris is now represented by attorney William Wolf of Wolf Criminal Law, based in Chicago. Gounaris appeared before Ogle County Judge John "Ben" Roe on Friday along with Wolf and attorney Jack DeBacker of Wolf Criminal Law. Wolf told Roe that he plans to pursue O'Brien's March 6 motion to appoint an expert but needs to amend it and expand on it. The motion filed by O'Brien asks Roe to "appoint an expert and/or reimburse defense costs to assist in presenting a change-of-venue request," according to the motion. A change-of-venue motion typically asks the judge to move the trial to a different location. Those motions usually cite reasons that the filing party believes would prevent a fair trial in the county in which the case was filed. Pretrial publicity often is listed as a reason for a change-of-venue motion. In O'Brien's motion, he argued that the court should allow and pay for a company to "explore the likelihood that this case should be tried" in a different county because there exists "prejudice against" Gounaris, and he cannot receive a fair trial in Ogle County. Wolf also asked for additional time to review the large amount of discovery, with no objection from the state. Assistant State's Attorney Heather Kruse asked for Gounaris' continued detention, and Wolf had no objection. Gounaris has been denied pretrial release as far back as his initial detention hearing June 20. O'Brien made extensive arguments supporting Gounaris' release at a hearing March 17, when he called the June standoff a "paradox of the welfare check." [ Dixon man charged with attempted murder of three police officers seeks release for mental health treatment ] The state disagrees and has continued to argue for detention since that initial June 20 hearing. Kruse said March 17 that police had found Gounaris to be wearing ballistic body armor while armed with two handguns, pepper spray and a knife. On Friday, Roe again ruled to keep Gounaris detained. Gounaris is charged with shooting three members of the Ogle County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team after a three-hour standoff when police tried to enter his home at 402 Wild Rice Lane in Lost Lake. [ Sheriff: Rural Dixon resident shoots 3 deputies after barricading himself in home at Lost Lake ] The ERT is made up of individuals from agencies including the sheriff's office, Oregon and Byron police departments, and SWAT medics from the Rochelle Fire Department. Gounaris' next hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. July 17.
