Chicago police officer killed in shooting at hospital identified; another officer critically hurt
Memorials grow for fallen CPD Officer John Bartholomew, suspect in custody not yet charged
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Officials have identified the Chicago police officer killed in a shooting at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital as Officer John Bartholomew.
CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed Saturday an officer died and another officer was in critical condition after the shooting.
Flags remained at half staff at the 17th District Police Department on Sunday, with ribbons and flowers resting in front honoring the fallen officer.
Charges have not yet been be filed against the accused shooter as of Sunday evening, as another officer remains in the hospital.
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The shooting happened Saturday around 11 a.m. at 5140 North California Avenue in the city's Ravenswood neighborhood.
CPD Officer John Bartholomew, 38, was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office on Sunday morning. Officer Bartholomew had been with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years, officials said.
Alderman Jim Gardiner of the 45th Ward issued a statement Sunday, saying "Please offer your thoughts and prayers for the family of Officer John Bartholomew, a 38-year-old husband and father, who was tragically murdered yesterday in the line of duty."
A 57-year-old officer who has been with the department for 21 years and is still fighting for his life at Illinois Masonic Hospital.
Superintendent Snelling confirmed both officers are from the 17th District.
Police officials say the man is a robbery suspect who officers had arrested and had brought to the hospital's emergency room for some sort of treatment. ABC7 was told a weapon was recovered when the suspect was taken into custody after the shooting.
According to a statement posted on social media by Endeavor Health, the individual was "wanded upon arrival" and "was escorted by law enforcement at all times" as required by hospital safety protocols. But somehow the suspect was later able to shoot at officers and escape the hospital building.
The Endeavor Health statement goes on the say how the hospital is cooperating with the investigation and how their thoughts remain with the officers and their families. The hospital says none of their staff or any patients were hurt as a result of incident.
Blue ribbons were hung across several streets throughout the neighborhood where Officer Bartholomew lived.
People gathered in Garfield Ridge for a prayer vigil Sunday evening, sending their condolences to the officers families while asking elected officials to do more to stop crime.
"We're here in solidarity and we're here praying for police that go out everyday and risk their lives for us to serve and protect," community activist Raul Montes said. "And we hope there's justice for these officer."
People living near Swedish Hospital are still trying to comprehend the scene they saw unfold right near their homes on Saturday.
Cellphone video captured the moment the suspect was arrested on Carmen Avenue after he allegedly shot both officers and ran out of the hospital without wearing any clothes.
One woman living on the next block, Madison Heckel, says the suspect was hiding in the alley next to her home, leading to an alarming police presence on her street.
"There were over 60 cops around here they were all hiding behind cars and very much seeing if someone would come out near one of our neighbors, and they had larger weapons that I've ever seen in real life," Heckl said.
Chicago police could not offer any update on the 57-year-old officer's condition Sunday night, and charges are still pending.
Authorities did not immediately provide further information about the shooting.
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