Officer John Bartholomew - Chicago Police Department - Illinois

On April 29, 2026, Officer John Bartholomew and another officer (both from Chicago Police Department) transported a robbery suspect to the Chicago Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital at approximately 9:00 a.m.

The suspect had robbed a Family Dollar store in Albany Park. The suspect pistol whipped a female employee and stole her wallet and keys.  Police were able to track the suspect through a GPS device attached to the money.  The suspect claimed he had ingested narcotics and overdosing causing the officers to transport him to a hospital.

After transporting the suspect to the hospital, the suspect was being prepped for a CT scan.  While being prepped, the suspect had taken off his clothing and a blanket was placed over him.  The suspect reached under the blanket, pulled out a handgun and shot both officers.  The suspect then fled through a window, naked with electrodes still attached to his chest.

The suspect, who was already on parole and escaped an electronic monitoring system, was apprehended shortly afterward.  The suspect was found with a 10mm handgun which matched the shell casings from the hospital room. He has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated battery.  During a hearing in federal court, it was found that the handgun was illegally purchased through a straw buyer and was not taken from the officers.  

The officers were taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where Officer John Bartholomew later succumbed to his injuries.  The second officer suffered severe injuries. 

Officer John Bartholomew had served with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years, assigned to the Albany Park (17th) District. His survivors include his wife and three children.  Our prayers go out to his family both at home and with the Chicago Police Department.