Chicago man with long record charged in killing of police officer at hospital

A Chicago man with a nearly decade-long criminal record is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday after authorities say he killed a police officer and wounded another at a hospital.

Alphanso Talley, 27, faces charges including murder and attempted murder in the death of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, 28, at Swedish Hospital on Saturday, April 25. Prosecutors allege Talley also shot a second officer during the incident.

Talley was taken into custody hours before the shooting on suspicion of armed robbery at a Family Dollar store. Officials say he struck a female employee with a pistol, stole her wallet and keys, and then told police he had swallowed narcotics and needed hospital treatment.

While receiving care, Talley allegedly pulled a gun from under a blanket and shot both officers before trying to flee, prosecutors said.

"He was going to attempt an escape when he pretended to swallow drugs," prosecutors told the court. "He knew police would take him to the hospital for his own well-being. He knew he would be uncuffed at that time."

Judge D’Anthony Thedford ordered Talley held without bail after his first court appearance. "It is clear to this court that you pose a threat to any person you’re around," the judge said. "If you’re out — you’re dangerous."

Talley’s record includes convictions for aggravated robbery with a firearm in 2017, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in 2021, battery on a peace officer in 2023, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He was free on pretrial release under the Illinois SAFE-T Act at the time of the shooting and was wearing an ankle monitor.

Chicago Alderman Anthony Napolitano called the city’s judicial system and the SAFE-T Act a "joke of a system" that endangers officers and residents. He said the relaxed bail rules have left police frustrated and demoralized.

From 2021 to 2024, more than 170 Chicago police officers were shot or shot at in the line of duty, including two who were killed, according to city data.

Talley is charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated unlawful restraint, 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.