Officer Killed, Another Wounded in Shooting at Chicago Hospital; Suspect in Custody
A routine prisoner transport turned deadly on Saturday morning when a suspect opened fire inside a Chicago hospital, killing one police officer and leaving another critically wounded. The shooting triggered a massive manhunt and a multi-hour lockdown of the medical facility.
Shooting Inside the Hospital
The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital, located on the North Side of Chicago in the Lincoln Square neighborhood . According to law enforcement sources, two Chicago police officers were transporting a prisoner to or from the hospital for medical treatment before the individual was to be taken to jail for a separate offense .
During that transport, the suspect **managed to obtain a firearm and open fire**, striking both officers . One officer was shot in the head and later pronounced dead at a different area hospital. The second officer remains in critical condition .
Manhunt and Shelter-in-Place
In the chaos that followed the shooting, the suspect fled the hospital on foot and ran to a nearby home several blocks away, according to CBS News Chicago . The escape triggered an urgent manhunt, with authorities swarming the hospital and surrounding neighborhoods.
Alderman Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) urged residents in the vicinity to shelter in place and avoid the streets as police conducted their search . "THIS IS AN ACTIVE SITUATION!" Vasquez wrote on Facebook. "Please shelter in place if you are in the surrounding area or avoid the area" .
Suspect Apprehended
The manhunt concluded approximately one hour after the shooting, when authorities took the suspect into custody around noon . SWAT teams had surrounded the home where the suspect was believed to be hiding before the arrest was made .
Hospital Lockdown and Response
Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital was immediately placed on lockdown following the shooting. The hospital confirmed in a statement that the suspect had been brought in for treatment around 9 a.m. and was "escorted by law enforcement at all times" while inside the facility before the shooting occurred.
The hospital also noted that the individual was scanned for weapons upon arrival in accordance with standard public safety protocols. The lockdown was lifted by 2 p.m., though the campus remained closed while investigators processed the scene .
"No team members or patients were physically harmed as a result of this incident," Endeavor Health stated. "The safety of our patients and team members remains our top priority" .
What Police Know So Far
As of Saturday afternoon, authorities have confirmed the following key details:
- The shooting occurred during a prisoner transport at Swedish Hospital
- One officer has died; the second officer remains in critical condition
- The suspect has been taken into custody
- The hospital's lockdown has been lifted, though the campus remains closed
- The area surrounding the hospital is still blocked off as investigations continue
No further information about the suspect or potential charges has been released at this time.
Chicago Alderman Jim Gardiner shared a message on social media following the incident: "Please pray for our police officers"
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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