Chicago Police Officer Nelson Crespo makes first public appearance after hospital shooting

Chicago Police Officer Nelson Crespo made his first public appearance on Friday at a fundraiser held in his honor at Old Crow Smokehouse in Wrigleyville. The event was organized to benefit Crespo and his family, with all proceeds going to his recovery efforts.

Crespo has been recovering for several months following a shooting in April at Swedish Hospital on Chicago’s North Side. During the incident, Crespo was shot and left paralyzed from the shoulders down. His partner, Officer John Bartholomew, was killed in the attack.

The shooting occurred while officers were escorting Alphanso Talley, a robbery suspect, for a CT scan. Prosecutors allege Talley hid a weapon under a blanket and opened fire after his handcuffs were removed. Talley has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder.