Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, 38, was fatally shot on Saturday, April 25, 2026, while guarding a robbery suspect at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital, located at 5140 North California Avenue in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area of Chicago. Authorities confirmed he was a 10‑year veteran of the department assigned to the 17th District.
Earlier that morning, around 9 a.m., officers had arrested a suspect connected to a robbery in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue in the Albany Park neighborhood. Scanner audio and police reports indicate the suspect requested medical evaluation, prompting officers to transport him to Swedish Hospital for observation.
According to investigators, the shooting occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. while the suspect was being prepared for a CT scan. Despite being “wanded upon arrival,” the suspect produced a concealed firearm and opened fire, striking Officer Bartholomew and his 57‑year‑old partner. Hospital staff and patients scrambled for safety as police declared an active‑shooter situation.
Both wounded officers were rushed to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where Bartholomew was pronounced dead just before 1 p.m. His partner remained in critical condition but was reported to be “fighting for his life,” according to CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling.
The suspect fled the hospital immediately after the shooting but was later taken into custody, with multiple weapons recovered during the investigation. Authorities confirmed that no hospital staff or patients were injured. The hospital stated it was cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing its safety protocols.
Officer Bartholomew, a husband and father, was remembered by colleagues and community members as a dedicated public servant. Flags were lowered to half‑staff at the 17th District station, and memorials grew outside the precinct as the community mourned his death. Funeral arrangements were later announced at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church.
