Fundraiser Honors Wounded Chicago Police Officer, Supports Ongoing Recovery After Hospital Shooting
CHICAGO, Illinois — September 19, 2026

A Chicago police officer who was critically wounded in a hospital shooting made his first public appearance Friday as family, friends and supporters gathered for a fundraiser to help with his long recovery.

Officer Nelson Crespo attended the event at Old Crow Smokehouse in Wrigleyville, nearly five months after he was shot while on duty at Swedish Hospital. His partner, Officer John Bartholomew, was killed in the same shooting.

Officer Makes First Public Appearance
Crespo has been recovering at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab since the April 25 shooting.

The officer was left paralyzed from the shoulders down after being shot in the chin, according to local reports. Despite the severity of his injuries, his family and supporters say he has remained focused on his recovery.

Friday’s fundraiser marked the first time Crespo had appeared publicly since the shooting.

Hundreds of people attended the event to show their support. All proceeds from the fundraiser are being directed toward Crespo and the costs associated with his recovery.

Partner Was Killed in the Shooting
Crespo and Bartholomew were at Swedish Hospital on April 25 while escorting a man who had been arrested in connection with an armed robbery.

According to prosecutors, the suspect, Alphanso Talley, allegedly had a gun hidden under a blanket. Officers had reportedly removed his handcuffs for a CT scan when he allegedly pulled out the weapon and opened fire.

Bartholomew was killed, while Crespo was critically injured. Talley was arrested shortly afterward and has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges. The allegations against him remain unresolved in court.

Community Rallies Around Crespo
The fundraiser brought together members of the Chicago police community, local supporters and Crespo’s family.

During the event, Crespo thanked people for their support and prayers. He also received a surprise from Chicago White Sox Hall of Famer Harold Baines, who presented him with a White Sox jersey.

The event comes as Crespo continues rehabilitation and works to regain strength and mobility following the shooting.

His recovery is expected to be a long process, but Friday’s gathering offered an opportunity for supporters to publicly stand behind the officer and his family.

Sources
ABC7 Chicago — Wounded Officer Nelson Crespo makes first public appearance at fundraiser
NBC Chicago — Fundraiser benefits Chicago police officer recovering from shooting
CBS Chicago — Nelson Crespo makes first public appearance since Swedish Hospital shooting