Editor’s Note: Live coverage of the funeral service has concluded.
Services for fallen Chicago police officer John Bartholomew are scheduled for Friday, with some streets closed and traffic impacts expected and lanes closed on DuSable Lake Shore Drive with many planning to come pay their respects.
Bartholomew, 38, was shot and killed by a robbery suspect at Chicago’s Swedish Hospital April 25. According to prosecutors, Bartholomew and his partner were transporting the suspect, Alphanso Talley, to Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital after Talley told police he had swallowed multiple narcotics and was having trouble breathing.
Once inside the hospital, Talley pulled out a gun hidden under his hospital gown. Talley then fatally shot Bartholomew and critically wounded his partner, officials say.
Funeral services for Bartholomew begin at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, located at 5649 N. Sheridan Rd. in Edgewater. According to Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, major traffic impacts were expected to begin Friday morning, continuing through at least 3 p.m.
The biggest impacts are expected to affect DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Sheridan Road and Bryn Mawr Avenue, OEMC said, though additional nearby streets may also see congestion and closures.
As of 5:40 a.m. Friday, lanes DuSable Lake Shore Drive in both directions were already closed from Foster to Hollywood, NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin said, with more potential closures to come. An alternate on the North Side is Clark or Ashland.
A procession will impact the Friday afternoon commute, Martin said, with cars traveling southbound on DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Lawrence Avenue, and then to the outbound Kennedy to the Cumberland exit to the private service.
“Expect severe traffic congestion and delays,” a release from OEMC said. “Alternate routes are suggested and motorists should allow for extra travel time.”
OEMC also warned that parking in the area would be “extremely limited.”
Friday’s service comes after a visitation was held Thursday, drawing dozens of emergency responders who lined streets in front of St. Andrew’s. Flags in Illinois have been ordered to fly at half-staff through sunset Friday as part of the memorial plans.
Bartholomew, from Evanston, was a 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. According to his obituary, he leaves behind a wife and three children.
