SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) — The individual accused of a shooting incident in a suburban ER made an appearance in court on Tuesday, during which prosecutors disclosed fresh insights into the matter.
A Cook County judge ordered 28-year-old Christian Haywood to be detained while he awaits his next court appearance.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The judge, in his ruling, raised concerns regarding Haywood’s mental well-being and affirmed Haywood’s entitlement to contest his confinement in order to receive necessary assistance.
Haywood appeared to be suffering from an unknown mental health condition, according to investigators, on Thursday evening in downtown Evanston.
According to prosecutors, Haywood was brought to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital’s ER on Ridge Avenue by a crisis response team and the Evanston Fire Department. Subsequently, security personnel had to intervene as Haywood grew increasingly agitated during an assessment.
According to prosecutors, Haywood reached into his backpack and fired a gun through the bag, striking a security guard three times.
That guard needed surgery and is in stable condition.
Haywood also, according to prosecutors, bit another security guard.
The incident prompted the hospital to go on lockdown that evening.
On Tuesday, Haywood appeared in court, where he is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery.
The state’s attorney’s office stated that a search of Haywood’s backpack produced a second gun and a bulletproof vest.
A judge ruled that Haywood, a paraplegic, according to his public defender, is not a flight risk but does pose a threat to the community and ordered him detained.
A review of this incident is underway by both Evanston Hospital and city of Evanston. In the meantime, Haywood appears in court next on July 3.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.