Prosecutors: Man Shot 2 Cops With Gun Hidden Under Hospital Blanket

A violent chain of events that began with a robbery at a Chicago discount store on Saturday ended in tragedy, leaving one police officer dead, another critically injured, and raising serious concerns about the criminal justice system.

According to prosecutors, 26-year-old Alphanso Talley told authorities he had swallowed drugs after being taken into custody and was transported to Swedish Hospital. While being prepared for a CT scan, he is accused of hiding a 10mm handgun beneath a blanket. When Officer John Bartholomew removed his restraints, Talley allegedly pulled the weapon and opened fire, striking Bartholomew in the head and hitting a second officer in the face. He then shattered a hospital window and escaped. Police later located him hiding beneath a porch, and he was ordered held without bail on Monday.

Investigators have not determined how the gun made its way into the hospital. Officials stated the suspect was checked for weapons upon arrival and remained under police supervision. Authorities say the firearm had been obtained through a straw purchase in Indiana in 2024. The alleged buyer, Olivia Burgos, now faces federal charges for reportedly falsifying documents to acquire the weapon for someone prohibited from owning a gun.

Talley had an extensive criminal history, including multiple armed robbery charges, and was wanted on three active warrants at the time. He had been placed on electronic monitoring in December. Records show that on March 11, officials lost contact with the monitoring device after it was not properly charged, leaving his location unknown. A warrant for his arrest was issued that same day.

Earlier on Saturday, prosecutors say Talley attacked a female employee at a Family Dollar store, assaulting her with a gun before stealing cash, her keys, and her wallet. Authorities were able to track him using a GPS device attached to the stolen money, which ultimately led to his arrest.

The shooting marked the first time since 2021 that multiple Chicago police officers were shot in a single incident. The case has prompted strong criticism from the city police union and state officials, who argue it highlights major failures in pretrial release policies and broader systemic issues.

Officer Bartholomew, 38, was described by neighbors as a kind and dependable person who had gotten married last year. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling reported that the second officer, a 57-year-old, remains in critical condition and continues to fight for his life. Union President John Catanzara said the officer’s situation is extremely serious and that recovery will be very difficult.

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