Suspect in Custody After Killing Chicago Officer

Alphanso Talley, a 27-year-old man with an extensive criminal record, shot and killed Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew at Swedish Hospital on Saturday. According to multiple reports, Talley was under arrest for an armed robbery that morning when he allegedly hid a gun under his hospital blanket and opened fire during a CT scan.

The suspect fled the scene wearing only his hospital gown but was later found hiding under a nearby porch with the same weapon used in the shooting. Both officers were taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where Bartholomew was pronounced dead. The surviving officer remained in critical condition as of Monday morning.

Talley had been on pretrial release for an April 2025 carjacking at the time of the shooting and had violated his electronic monitoring multiple times before the incident, according to CBS News. He was charged with murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated battery, escape, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The shooting has sparked criticism of Cook County's electronic monitoring system and the judicial process that allowed Talley to be released despite his extensive criminal history. Chicago Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara called for accountability from judges and politicians regarding the SAFE-T Act, which he believes contributed to the incident.

According to Fox News, Alphanso Talley was wanted after allegedly robbing a Family Dollar store on Saturday morning and pistol-whipping one of their female employees. Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez, a Democrat, told Fox News Digital that the SAFE-T Act, the law that eliminated cash bail in Illinois, needs to be overhauled after Saturday's shooting.

Lopez argued that judges aren't correctly using someone's criminal history when making determinations on pretrial release. Retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy also told Fox News Digital that this incident is a glaring example showing why Illinois' no-cash bail law needs to be changed, and how the system failed Bartholomew.

During his court appearance on Thursday, Talley allegedly giggled in court as prosecutors argued for his detention without bail. Judge D’Anthony Thedford ordered Talley held until his trial, stating that he posed a significant threat to the community. Prosecutors highlighted Talley's extensive criminal record and previous violations of electronic monitoring.

Talley's family members were present in court, with some expressing support for him despite the charges. Chicago Alderman James Gardiner criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson during a post-hearing news conference, calling him an embarrassment to the city.