One police officer died and another was in critical condition after a shooting at a Chicago hospital that happened as the officers were transporting a robbery suspect for medical observation on Saturday, the authorities said.
A person “in the custody of law enforcement” had been brought to Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital for an unspecified treatment, Endeavor Health said on social media.
The man, who was not identified, was checked by security staff members for weapons, the hospital said, and he was escorted by law enforcement at all times.
The man opened fire on the officers around 11 a.m. in the hospital, and then fled, Endeavor Health said. Multiple shots were fired, Andre Vasquez, the alderperson for the city’s 40th Ward, said on social media.
Neither the hospital nor law enforcement officials specified how the man gained access to a weapon.
One officer died at a hospital, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said at a news conference on Saturday afternoon. The other officer was hospitalized in critical condition, he said.
The officer who died was 38 years old. The other officer, who is 57 years old, was “fighting for his life,” Superintendent Snelling said.
The 38-year-old officer had been with the Police Department for 10 years and the other officer for 21 years, he said. The identities of the officers were not released.
The man, who was already in custody in connection with a robbery charge, was being held in connection with the shooting, the superintendent said. A weapon was recovered.
“We have a lot to unravel here,” Superintendent Snelling said. “Please, keep these officers in your prayers. Keep their families in your prayers.”
No patients or hospital staff members were injured, the hospital said.
Aimee Ortiz covers breaking news and other topics.
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