Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Police Officer John Bartholomew was shot and killed by a robbery suspect at Chicago’s Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital at approximately 10:50 a.m.
Around 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning, Officer Bartholomew and another officer transported a suspect accused of robbing a Family Dollar store in Albany Park to the Swedish Hospital for observation. While the suspect was being prepped for a CT scan just after noon, he produced a gun and fired, striking both officers. The officers were taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where Officer Bartholomew was pronounced dead later that afternoon; the second officer suffered severe injuries.
The suspect, who was already on parole and escaped an electronic monitoring system, fled the hospital scene but was apprehended shortly afterward. He is charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated battery.
Officer Bartholomew had served with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years, assigned to the Albany Park (17th) District. Survivors include his wife and three children.