Zion Man Fatally Shot by Police Suffered from Schizophrenia, Had History of Violence, Dad Says

ZION, IL - Police identified the man killed Wednesday morning in an officer-involved shooting as Charles J. Hollstein, 38, of the 2900 block of Willow Lane in Zion.

Hollstein was mentally ill, suffering from schizophrenia, his father told the Daily Herald on Thursday, and he exhibited a history of violent behavior.

“There had been voices I’d never hear,” said Carl Hollstein, who lives in south suburban Frankfort.

Hollstein, who appeared to be wearing body armor, was shot following a foot pursuit and struggle with officers in Zion, according to a Lake County Major Crime Task Force media release. Police first made contact with Hollstein after being called to the area of 22nd and Bethesday Boulevard in Zion just after 8:30 a.m. for reports of a suspicious person who was photographing schools in Zion.

Police attempted life-saving measures before the man was taken to Vista East Hospital and later pronounced dead.

Police believed he was armed, but after the shooting learned that he was carrying an Airsoft bb gun.

According to the Daily Herald report:

Charles Hollstein had been violent with his father. He hadn’t been allowed at his dad’s farm in Frankfort since 2004 because of one such incident, the elder Hollstein said.

According to Will County court records, Charles Hollstein was found not guilty by reason of insanity on charges of aggravated battery to a peace officer in 2003. He was ordered to have a psychological evaluation.

Hollstein was charged with domestic battery and possession of marijuana in 2004. Following that arrest, he was sent to the Elgin Mental Health Center, where he remained until a 2007 release.

Carl Hollstein, 84, told the Chicago Tribune he didn’t know why his son was near the schools. He said his son, whom he called “Charlie,” was likable and polite but had obvious problems. Schizophrenics are prone to hearing voices, and they experience hallucinations and delusions.

Charles Hollstein moved to Lake County in 2007 and lived in a nursing home where he received treatment, according to his father. Later, he moved into an apartment with a roommate.

“He was a very understanding, respectful, quiet, very reasonable guy,” said his roommate, Gary Zilm.

The incident lead to lockdowns at Zion schools.

“Zion Police Chief Steve Dumyahn has confirmed the Zion community is safe,” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Detective Christopher Covelli said in a news release Wednesday. “There are no other suspects at large.”

The father wondered whether the police officers “rushed to judgment,” but at the same time told the newspaper that he didn’t blame them for his son’s death. He understood that they were protecting the schools.

“He made a mistake by going over to that school,” Carl Hollstein told the Daily Herald, adding that he didn’t know why he’d be carrying a bb gun, either. “He never used the best judgment.”