Shocking Murder of ‘Peace Officer,’ Youth Agent of God

By Terry Poulos, special to the Hellenic News of America

The Greek American community and the entire nation are shell-shocked and will remain in that state for quite some time following the brutal, calculated and cold-blooded ambush-style murder of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, an outstanding citizen, Greek American, husband to Renee and father of three.

The shooting was so brazen that there are few precedents in the annals of law enforcement. In late April, Bartholomew was guarding a male suspect at Swedish Hospital on the North Side. The suspect, since charged with murder and an assortment of other criminal counts, had undergone an initial search by police following an arrest for armed robbery. At the time of arrest, the suspect is alleged to have feigned a drug overdose (ostensibly a ruse) and police rushed him to the hospital. Before the suspect could be put through an imaging scan, police had to uncuff the (at that moment) “patient” to remove all metal. Then, according to media accounts, Bartholomew stepped aside for one brief moment and in that tiny slice of time the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him in the back of the head at near point-blank range.

Published reports indicate the suspect to be a multiple-time felon who was out on parole. Reports show he had violated terms of electronic monitoring and had outstanding warrants for arrest at the time of the shooting, warrants which failed to process timely reportedly due to various technical issues. Those issues are today being fully vetted.

Authorities are also investigating how the gunman was able to obscure a weapon during an initial police search, a search that may or may not have been hindered by patient and/or general civil rights, police protocol or other legal or logistical issues. After shooting Bartholomew, the suspect is alleged to have then shot a second officer in the head during his escape. That officer was in critical condition as of early May.

Fr. John Kalomas of St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, where Bartholomew and his family have attended for generations, knew the family well. In fact, Bartholomew was an altar boy at St. Andrews under the previous pastor. Father Kalomas has been offering a series of prayers, glowing tributes and heart-wrenching somber reflections at church and on social media.

Bartholomew’s young children are now fatherless. None of this makes any sense or logic. There are few if any silver linings. We can only pray that leaders can sooner-than-later devise real, tangible solutions to improve highly-deficient criminal justice laws that do not adequately protect the public, health providers and first responders, and stem until-now triage management of violence. Simultaneously, society as a whole must act decisively to mitigate as many antecedent causes of wayward human beings as is reasonably possible.

Close friends and community leaders are already discussing legislative language for a type of “John’s Law” that would give health providers and first responders additional leeway to perform even more extensive searches of those experiencing medical episodes involving drugs and illegal activities and perhaps allow hospitals to install enhanced screening for all entrants regardless of status. More mandates and additional costs may be on the horizon. This tragedy is a game changer for institutions nationwide.

While legions are right now praying for guidance, for the family and for the soul of the deceased, it’s notable that John Bartholomew has Biblical first and last names and he is also a former altar boy. A longtime friend of this columnist who knew the deceased well informed us that Bartholomew is someone who “made everyone feel he was their best friend, whether they were or not.” The source added that as a boy, Bartholomew was well beyond his years, an old soul from a very young age and conscientious to the point of being as or more mature than adults two to three times his age. And he knew early on he wanted to be a police officer, despite knowing the risks. Yet he told many who were close to him that if his life could save at least two or more others, the sacrifice would be worth it.

Do miracles exist? That part is uncertain. But we know hero miracle-makers do exist. That’s exactly what Fr. Kalamos called the deceased, a “hero.” What’s in a name? It depends upon who’s being ask. Altar boy John Bartholomew, Father John Kalamos, and there is another John connection in all of this for which we will keep close to the vest at this juncture. The trilogy of those named John in this story are not easily handwaved. Whether or not any of us are devout believers in blind faith, this story seems as though it could be part of a greater orchestra. From our keystrokes to God’s ears, may John Bartholomew – father, husband, friend, peace officer, youth agent of God – rest in peace and may his memory serve as eternal inspiration for improving the lives and safety of all people.

A wake was slated to take place Thursday May 7 at St. Andrew’s with a Friday funeral beginning at the church and proceeding to Elmwood Cemetery. If you plan to go, be early and prepared to park blocks away as this one will be attended by scores of police brass and hundreds if not thousands of family, friends and well-wishers from the Greek American, law enforcement and general Chicago community.

Family members have established a GoFundMe page to help John’s widow and children.