Man Charged In Evanston Emergency Room Shooting Had 2 Guns: Police

EVANSTON, IL — A man who police say opened fire on a female security officer inside an Evanston Hospital emergency room last week has been charged with attempted murder, authorities announced Sunday.

Police responded to Evanston Hospital following reports of a shooting at approximately 7:57 p.m. on Thursday. According to officials, the man, identified as Christian Haywood, 28, of Evanston, had been transferred to the emergency room for treatment after exhibiting "mental health concerns" at a nearby Taco Bell at 7:26 p.m.

The Crisis Alternative Response Evanston team evaluated Haywood at the Taco Bell before he was voluntarily brought to the hospital at 7:45 p.m. In the time between his arrival at the hospital and police response, Haywood became distressed and hospital security was called, according to the Evanston Police Department.

At that time, the man lunged toward his belongings, brandished a gun and shot a 33-year-old female security officer, according to police. Police said three to four shots were fired in the room. While Haywood was being subdued, he allegedly bit another female hospital security guard, according to EPD.

Security detailed Haywood until EPD arrived. A subsequent search of Haywood's property revealed the man had another firearm in his possession.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the investigation and approved the following charges:

• One felony count of attempted first degree murder
• One felony count of aggravated battery - discharge of a firearm causing injury to a public Safety officer
• One felony count of aggravated battery to a public safety officer
• Two misdemeanor counts of unlawful possession of a weapon

Haywood appeared in court at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on Sunday afternoon.

See related: Shooting At Evanston Hospital Injures 1, Puts Facility Under Lockdown

The City of Evanston partnered with Oakton College in May 2024 to train a team of people to become part of the Crisis Alternative Response Evanston responder program. The program is designed to provide an informed non-police response to certain calls for service deemed lower risk.

C.A.R.E. Team members participated in 28 hours of training spread out over three weeks, followed by field trainings to ensure each member was prepared to handle real-world situations. The team is equipped to respond to a range of community concerns, including:

• Nuisance complaints
• Well-being checks
• City ordinance violations
• Panhandling
• Vagrant
• Lost, confused person
• Leaf blower violation
• Miscellaneous public service
• Mental subject
• Soliciting complaint

The city's website doesn't include information about if the C.A.R.E. Team is trained and authorized to search individuals to determine if they are armed before moving them to another location. Patch reached out to the City Manager's Office to clarify if C.A.R.E. Team members are authorized and able to search individuals, and didn't receive a conclusive response.

"The City is reviewing the incident that occurred and will be providing additional information as it becomes available. The City regularly evaluates its protocols and policies to ensure best practices are being followed," said Cynthia Vargas, communications and engagement manager for the City of Evanston, told Patch.