Hickory Hills police have identified the man who died by suicide following a shootout with officers last week as 42-year-old Jonathan Ollry, a former resident of the area. The confrontation occurred on Thursday evening, June 1, after a failed carjacking attempt at the Hickory Palos Square Shopping Center. According to police, the incident began around 8:45 p.m. when Ollry, armed with a firearm, approached an 18-year-old man and a child as they exited their vehicle.
He allegedly demanded their possessions and was given a key fob, but was unable to start the vehicle and fled on foot as officers responded to the scene. Ollry ran across 95th Street into the nearby Speedway gas station parking lot, where officers attempted to take him into custody. Police say he fired several rounds at an officer who was trying to apprehend him. During the shootout, the area was bustling with people, including drivers and pedestrians. One motorist reported that a bullet passed through their windshield, but no injuries were sustained.
An officer returned fire, prompting Ollry to flee again. He was later confronted by another officer in an alley north of the gas station, where he turned the gun on himself and fired. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center but died from his self-inflicted wounds. One police officer was treated and released for minor injuries sustained during the confrontation. Thankfully, no bystanders were physically harmed, despite the exchange of gunfire in a populated area.
Authorities confirmed that Ollry’s last known address was in Chicago and noted that he was a non-compliant registered child sex offender. His background and motive for the attempted carjacking and subsequent violence remain under investigation.
The Hickory Hills Police Department continues to review the incident, including body camera footage and witness statements. Officials have emphasized their commitment to transparency and public safety as they work through the details of the case.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. The incident has left the community shaken, particularly due to the presence of children and families in the area at the time of the shootout.
