Greek-American police officer John Bartholomew was shot and killed on duty at the Swedish Hospital of Chicago on Saturday night.
Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed Bartholomew died, and another officer was in critical condition after the shooting.
Prosecutors allege that the suspect Alphanso Talley, 26, and an unknown person robbed a Family Dollar store on Saturday morning and then pistol-whipped a female employee, stealing her wallet and keys. Police later tracked Talley through a GPS device attached to the money, and took him into custody. Then he told police he had ingested narcotics, prompting a ride to the hospital with the two officers, police said.
As Talley was prepared for a CT scan, he took his clothes off and a blanket was placed over him. Talley then reached under the blanket, pulled out a handgun and shot both officers, prosecutors alleged. Flags remained at half staff at the 17th District Police Department on Sunday, with ribbons and flowers resting in front honoring the fallen officer. Officer Bartholomew had been with the Chicago Police Department for ten years, officials said.
Alderman Jim Gardiner of the 45th Ward issued a statement Sunday, saying, “Please offer your thoughts and prayers for the family of Officer John Bartholomew, a 38-year-old husband and father, who was tragically murdered yesterday in the line of duty.”
Greek-American police officer praised as a hero
The Enosis Federation, a group of Greek-Americans in Illinois, has published the following on Facebook:
“With broken hearts, the Greek-American community of Chicago mourns the devastating loss of one of our own. At only 38 years old, John Bartholomew was a dedicated 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who gave his life protecting the streets we call home.
Officer Bartholomew, who ran toward danger so that we could live in safety showed the true meaning of courage, honor, and sacrifice—values deeply rooted in our heritage and carried through generations.
John leaves behind a loving wife and children who will grow up knowing their father was a hero. Our souls ache for his family—we pray that God surrounds them with strength, comfort, and unwavering love during this unimaginable time.
We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in blue, praying fervently for John’s injured partner’s full recovery. We honor those who protect and serve with the same respect we give our own. John is now among the angels, watching over us all.
We are proud. We are grateful. We stand with you always. We will never forget.”
Related: New York Street Renamed in Honor of Fallen Greek-American Detective Anastasios Tsakos
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
