Chicago Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting, Second Fighting for Life

A Chicago police officer was shot and killed Saturday inside a hospital by a robbery suspect he was guarding, and a second officer remained in critical condition Sunday, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office and Chicago Police Department said.

Officer John Bartholomew, 38, a 10-year veteran, was pronounced dead just before 1 p.m. Saturday after being shot at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital. The second officer, 57 and with 21 years of service, was described by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling as "fighting for his life."

The two officers had transported the suspect to the hospital for observation after arresting him on suspicion of robbery. The hospital confirmed that the man was "wanded upon arrival, following protocol," and was escorted by law enforcement throughout his time in the emergency department. Despite that, the suspect opened fire on the officers and fled the building before being taken back into custody. Police recovered a weapon at the time of his arrest. They have recovered three weapons in total and have not yet explained how the suspect obtained a firearm while in custody.

The suspect's name and the identity of the second officer had not been released as of Sunday.

Snelling said investigators are examining how the man was able to arm himself. The question cuts to the heart of protocol failures in custodial hospital transports — a vulnerability that law enforcement agencies nationwide routinely review following high-profile incidents.

No charges had been publicly filed against the suspect as of Sunday. Chicago police said the investigation remained ongoing.

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