Extra gun recovered after prisoner shoots two CPD officers at North Side hospital, killing one

Investigators have made a shocking discovery in the case of a robbery suspect who shot two Chicago police officers at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Lincoln Square. CPD Supt. Larry Snelling announced that an extra firearm was recovered after the suspect, who was undergoing a medical evaluation, somehow managed to obtain a weapon and open fire on the officers.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, resulted in the death of a 38-year-old officer with 10 years of service and left a 57-year-old, 21-year veteran fighting for his life. The gunman’s ability to access a third weapon raises troubling questions that investigators are diligently working to answer. The identities of the officers and the suspect have not been disclosed by CPD.

According to Snelling, the tragic events unfolded around 10:50 a.m. inside the hospital located at 5140 North California Avenue. Prior to the shooting, the suspect had been involved in a robbery at a Family Dollar store in Albany Park, where he displayed a gun, attacked a woman at an ATM, and fled with stolen proceeds. Some of the stolen items were equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing CPD to quickly locate the suspect on North Troy Street.

After the suspect was apprehended, he claimed to be unwell, prompting CPD to call for an ambulance to transport him to Swedish Covenant for evaluation. The two officers accompanying him were the ones who ultimately fell victim to the shooting. Despite the hospital’s public safety weapon detection protocols, the suspect managed to access a firearm.

Following the shooting, the suspect fled the hospital naked, with EKG stickers still attached to his chest, and was seen carrying a firearm in the nearby neighborhood. Residents reported attempted break-ins as officers conducted a manhunt, leading to the suspect’s arrest on West Carmen Avenue. A third firearm was recovered at the arrest site.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his condolences and described the incident as a tragedy, emphasizing the daily risks that officers face in the line of duty. CPD issued a statement confirming the details of the shooting and the ongoing investigation by the Investigative Response Team.

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers confront every day while protecting the community. The families of the fallen officer and the officer in critical condition are in need of support and prayers during this difficult time.