Christian Haywood, Evanston hospital shooting suspect, appears in court; prosecutors reveal new details in case

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) — The individual accused of a shooting at a north suburban emergency room faced a judge on Tuesday, where new details of the case were shared by the prosecutors.

A Cook County judge ordered 28-year-old Christian Haywood to be detained while he awaits his next court appearance.

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While deciding on the matter, the judge mentioned concerns over Haywood’s mental wellbeing, affirming that Haywood is entitled to appeal his detention to seek necessary assistance.

Haywood appeared to be suffering from an unknown mental health condition, according to investigators, on Thursday evening in downtown Evanston.

Prosecutors explained that a crisis response team transported him to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital’s emergency room located on Ridge Avenue, in the 2600 block. During an evaluation, he became restless, which led to security staff entering the room.

According to prosecutors, Haywood reached into his backpack and fired a gun through the bag, striking a security guard three times.

That guard needed surgery and is in stable condition.

Haywood also, according to prosecutors, bit another security guard.

The incident prompted the hospital to go on lockdown that evening.

On Tuesday, Haywood appeared in court, where he is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery.

The state’s attorney’s office stated that a search of Haywood’s backpack produced a second gun and a bulletproof vest.

A judge ruled that Haywood, a paraplegic, according to his public defender, is not a flight risk but does pose a threat to the community and ordered him detained.

A review of this incident is underway by both Evanston Hospital and city of Evanston. In the meantime, Haywood appears in court next on July 3.

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