CHICAGO (AP) Authorities have identified the Chicago police officer fatally shot as 38-year-old John Bartholomew. Bartholomew, who served on the force for 10 years, was pronounced dead just before 1 p.m. on Saturday after being shot at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
A second police officer, a 57-year-old man with 21 years of service, was wounded during the same incident and remains in critical condition as of Sunday. Neither the name of the injured officer nor the suspect involved in the shooting have been released by police at this time. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling updated the media, stating that the wounded officer was "fighting for his life."
The two officers had transported the suspect, who was under arrest for suspicion of robbery, to the hospital for observation. Following the shooting, the suspect managed to flee the hospital. Details concerning how he acquired a firearm while in custody remain unclear.
A surveillance photo published by the Sun-Times appears to depict the suspect escaping the scene while naked, wearing electrodes on his chest, highlighting the chaotic circumstances surrounding the incident.
The hospital released a statement via Facebook indicating that the individual in custody had been brought to their emergency department for treatment and was "wanded upon arrival," adhering to established safety protocols. The hospital emphasized that the suspect was under constant escort by law enforcement personnel during his time at the facility. Subsequent to the shooting, the suspect discharged multiple rounds at law enforcement before fleeing the hospital premises.
Superintendent Snelling noted that police investigators have recovered three firearms from the scene of the incident, underscoring the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
This incident marks a tragic turn of events in Chicago, bringing attention to issues related to police custody and security protocols at medical facilities. The community is mourning the loss of Officer John Bartholomew as well as supporting the recovery of the injured officer.
