Chicago police officer killed by suspect released on electronic monitoring while awaiting trial on carjacking, armed robbery charges

by BRIAN NADIG

The April 25 arrest of a murder suspect who fatally shot a Chicago police officer and critically wounded another has sparked concerns over the use of electronic home monitoring for those with a history of violence.

“There is no accountability,” Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st) said of what he described as a “catch and release” system which allows repeat violent offenders to stay out of jail. “(The suspect) should not have been on electronic monitoring.”

Napolitano, a former police officer, said that there has to be new criteria for placing suspects on ankle monitoring so that only those suspects “on the lower spectrum of crime” are released under the program.

The suspect, who was identified by police as Alphanso Talley, age 26, of the 7600 block of South Shore Drive, was charged with with first-degree murder in the killing of 38-year-old officer John Bartholomew, who was a 10-year veteran of the police force and lived with his family in Edison Park.

Talley, a convicted felon, also faces 19 other felony counts stemming from April 25, including the attempted first degree murder of a 57-year-old officer who was shot in the mouth and remains in critical condition. There also were three warrants out his arrest due to reported violations of his electronic monitoring conditions and failure to appear in court in connection with the previous arrests, including a carjacking and another reported robbery.

On April 25 Talley reportedly robbed at gunpoint a dollar store in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue, but he was arrested a short time later due to a tracking device that was in the proceeds, police said. An employee was pistol-whipped during the robbery, police said.

While in custody Talley falsely said that he had swallowed drugs and was then transported to Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital, 5140 N. California Ave., where he pulled a gun from under a blanket and shot two officers before shooting a glass door and fleeing, police said.

Talley was taken into custody after he was found hiding under a porch near the hospital. It’s not clear how he had the gun, as the hospital has said he was wanded for weapons but none were detected. On Monday, federal charges were filed against a woman who allegedly made a false statement on paperwork when she bought a 10 mm gun, the weapon Talley reportedly used on April 25.

Napolitano along with Alderman James Gardiner (45th) and other elected officials attended Talley’s court hearing on April 27.

“Despite being on electronic monitoring, an ankle monitor that has become a deeply flawed substitute for real detention, this individual was still free to move through our communities,” Napolitano said in a statement.

The 41st Ward alderman added, “The ankle monitor should not have even been considered for a career criminal like this offender, who has a lengthy history of violence, destruction and crime. While on that monitor for a previous arm robbery and battery, this offender carried out another violent armed robbery, pistol-whipping a victim inside a dollar store. Even more disturbingly, while in custody, he went on to commit an even more horrific act: the murder of a Chicago police officer and the critical wounding of another.

“Our current judicial system, along with the SAFE-T Act and the ineffective garbage electronic monitoring program, has created an environment that too often prioritizes offenders over law-abiding citizens. This is yet another devastating tragedy that should have been prevented.”

Gardiner said that the hearing Talley did not respond when the judge asked the defendant for his name.

Gardiner said that decisions by some of these “ultra-lenient judges allowing … violent offenders to roam our city” are impacting communities.

Last year prosecutors argued that Talley should not be released on an ankle monitor, but Cook County Judge John Lyke reportedly said that Talley appeared to have matured and was on a path to making better decisions before releasing him on an monitor, according to a published CWB Chicago article. Talley reportedly had committed earlier crimes while on a monitor, according to the article.

A public defender said in court that Talley had completed an anger management course, the article reported.

Lyke said that before the SAFE-T Act, defendants like Talley could be facing a minimum $1 million bond, the article said.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Officer Bartholomew. The funeral home posted the following:

“John will be remembered as a devoted family man whose life was defined by love, loyalty and service. He was always the first to step in and help others, known for his generosity and willingness to give without hesitation. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including his love for good food, his admiration for Batman and his unmistakable, contagious laugh that could light up any room. He was deeply dedicated to his work as a Chicago police officer, serving his community with honor, integrity and an unwavering sense of duty. With a strong knowledge of history and a passion for sharing it, John left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

“Visitation will be held on Thursday May 7th from 2-8 PM with a Trisagion Prayer Service at 6:30 PM at Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 North Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL.

“Funeral Service will be held on Friday May 8th, 2026, at 10AM also at Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will be private.

“In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the John Bartholomew Memorial Fund at the National Police Federal Credit Union, 1407 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607.”

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