CHICAGO — A heartfelt tribute is growing in memory of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.
Officer Bartholomew was among two officers who were shot over the weekend while responding to an incident at a local hospital.
As the city mourns, another officer who was injured during Saturday’s shooting remains in critical condition. Meanwhile, the suspect involved in the incident is currently in custody.
The 17th District police station, where both officers served, has become a site of remembrance, adorned with blue ribbons and flowers as a gesture of respect and solidarity.
Officer Bartholomew, aged 38, devoted a decade of service to the Chicago Police Department before he was fatally shot at Swedish Hospital.
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While officials have yet to release the name of the second officer, they confirmed that he is 57 years old and has been with the force for 21 years, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the community.
People who live nearby are trying to comprehend what they saw unfold 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 any clothes on.
READ MORE | Chicago police officer killed, another critically injured in shooting at Ravenswood Swedish Hospital; prayer vigil held
According to hospital officials, the suspect was brought in by police for treatment around 9 a.m. on Saturday.
He was wanded upon arrival, so it’s unclear how he managed to get a gun.
One woman said the suspect was hiding in the alley next to her home after his escape as the SWAT team searched for him
“They came right by our window and asked us through the window our address,” neighbor Madison Heckel said. “And we saw them move their weapons pointing at our neighbor’s house to our house, which was pretty terrifying because I have never had a weapon pointe din my direction before so that was pretty awful. They were shaking at our garage door in the back so we were wondering if maybe whoever they were after had somehow gotten into our garage.”
A gold star flag is now flying At half-staff outside CPD’s 17th District.
CPD said out of respect for Officer Bartholomew’s family, they are not sharing a photograph until they are ready.
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