On the morning of February 12, 2021, Nashville Officer Josh Baker pulled over a vehicle near Ewing Avenue after spotting a license plate tied to 42-year-old Desmond Buchanan, who had multiple outstanding warrants. The driver turned out to be 31-year-old Nika Hobart, Buchanan’s girlfriend.
Body-camera footage showed Hobart acting visibly uneasy as Officer Baker questioned her and checked her bags. After locating marijuana and later a pouch containing a white powdery substance, Baker attempted to detain her. Hobart resisted arrest, sprinted back to her car, and a struggle followed. Baker deployed his Taser, but Hobart drew a gun, leading to an extremely close-range exchange of gunfire.
Officer Baker was shot in the hip but survived. Hobart sped away, crashed a short distance from the scene, and died from multiple gunshot wounds, as later confirmed by medical examiners. Records revealed she had a long history of legal trouble and personal trauma, including a difficult childhood and unstable home life. Her foster mother initially blamed the officer but later admitted Hobart’s decisions worsened the confrontation. Baker returned to duty about a month later on modified assignments.
The Ogle County, Illinois Standoff — June 12, 2024
More than three years later, on June 12, 2024, deputies in Ogle County, Illinois responded to a 911 call regarding 32-year-old Jonathan Garis, who family members said had made violent threats toward himself and others. Relatives also reported he had weapons and tactical gear he was not legally allowed to possess.
Crisis negotiators attempted to contact Garis for over an hour, but he refused to exit the home. A multi-agency Special Response Team then forced entry. The moment the door opened, Garis—equipped with body armor and carrying a rifle and multiple handguns—immediately fired at officers. The chaotic gunfight was captured on police body-cameras.
Three officers were hit: Tactical Medic Taylor Chows, Officer Ted Diminski, and Lieutenant Jason Catter, with Catter sustaining the most severe injury. Despite being wounded, Chows went back inside to assist others. Garis was shot in the abdomen, taken into custody, and later stabilized in a hospital. He now faces 12 felony charges, including several counts of attempted first-degree murder, and could receive up to 85 years in prison if convicted.
The incident rattled the small rural community, highlighting that extreme violence can erupt even in quiet areas. All involved officers were placed on paid administrative leave while investigations continue.
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