EVANSTON, Ill. — A 28-year-old Evanston man is facing a series of felony charges after allegedly shooting a hospital security guard Thursday evening at Endeavor Evanston Hospital, authorities confirmed.
Multiple Charges After Violent Emergency Room Incident
Christian Haywood, of the 1100 block of Church Street, has been charged with:
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One felony count of attempted first-degree murder
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One felony count of aggravated battery — discharge of a firearm causing injury to a public safety officer
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One felony count of aggravated battery to a public safety officer
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Two misdemeanor counts of unlawful possession of a weapon
According to the Evanston Police Department, the incident unfolded around 7:26 p.m. when members of the Crisis Alternative Response Evanston Team (CARE) encountered Haywood near a Taco Bell in the 1700 block of Sherman Avenue. At the time, Haywood appeared to be suffering from a mental health episode.
Voluntary Transport Turns Violent in Hospital ER
Police say Haywood agreed to be evaluated and was voluntarily transported to Evanston Hospital. Upon arrival around 7:35 p.m., hospital staff began the intake process.
During the initial medical evaluation, Haywood reportedly became increasingly agitated, prompting hospital security to intervene.
At that moment, authorities say Haywood lunged toward his belongings, retrieved a gun, and fired at least three shots inside the emergency department.
Security Guard Shot, Another Bitten
A 33-year-old female security guard was struck by gunfire in both her left upper and lower extremities, police said. She underwent surgery and remains in stable condition.
As other security personnel rushed in to subdue Haywood, he allegedly bit a second security officer, a 47-year-old woman, during the struggle to restrain him.
Haywood was ultimately detained by security and turned over to Evanston police officers.
Additional Firearm Found
Following Haywood’s arrest, a search of his belongings at the Evanston Police Department uncovered a second firearm that was not used during the shooting.
He has since been transferred to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago, where he is scheduled for a detention hearing.
Police: No Ongoing Threat to the Public
The Evanston Police Department emphasized that the hospital was placed on lockdown during the incident, and there was no continued threat to the public following Haywood’s arrest.
“Shooting at Evanston Hospital in the E.R. Offender in custody. One victim was struck by gunfire and suffered what are believed to be non life-threatening injuries,” the department posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Were you or someone you know at Evanston Hospital during Thursday’s shooting? How do you feel about safety protocols in medical emergency rooms? Share your thoughts in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
