A 38-year-old Chicago police officer with 10 years on the force was shot dead Saturday morning inside Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital after a prisoner grabbed one of the officers’ guns and opened fire.
The second officer, 57, a 21-year veteran, was shot and left in critical condition. Both men were rushed to another hospital, where the younger officer was pronounced dead.
The shooting happened around 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the hospital in the Ravenswood neighborhood on the North Side.
The two Chicago Police officers had taken the suspect there for a medical check before booking him on a separate charge.
He was under escort the entire time and had been scanned for weapons on arrival, hospital officials said.
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At some point, the suspect got hold of a gun and shot both officers. One was hit in the head.
A quick manhunt followed, as officers swarmed the hospital and the surrounding streets. Alderman Andre Vasquez told people in the area to shelter in place. The suspect was caught around noon.
The hospital went on lockdown right after the shots. It was lifted by 2 p.m., but the facility stayed closed for the rest of the day. No patients or staff were hurt.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling identified the dead officer by his age and years of service. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the killing a tragedy for the city.
“Today is a really difficult moment for our city,” Johnson said. “Our officers stand in the way of harm every single day. They have families that expect them to come home. One of our officers will not be able to return to his family.”
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Neighbors in the normally quiet block described seeing dozens of police cars race in and officers moving with guns drawn. One resident said his mother had never seen anything like it in the neighborhood.
The Chicago Police Department is lauded for its quick response
“This is a horrible situation all around. Hoping the staff and those present at Swedish Covenant Hospital are also okay,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas in a post on social media as he thanked the Chicago Police Department for the quick response and swift action, adding “Sending my thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery for the officers injured.”
The hospital said its security protocols were followed, and the suspect remained under police watch until the shooting broke out.
Chicago Police have not yet released the suspect’s name or details of the original charge that brought him to the hospital. The investigation continues.
