Police Supt. Eddie Johnson Appears To Fall Ill At CPD Event
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson appeared to fall ill at an event in Englewood on Friday, but police officials said he was talking and alert a short time later, and able to take himself to a hospital.
Johnson was part of a news conference discussing new police technology at the Englewood District police station when he appeared to sway and stagger, seeming dazed, as Mayor Rahm Emanuel was speaking at the podium.
Emanuel asked Johnson if he was okay, and helped him to a seat, and officials called for an ambulance. Police ordered media to leave the room immediately.
Ambulance arrives at @Chicago_Police District 7 after Supt appears woozy & about to fait during press conference. pic.twitter.com/mGwBFzIktw
— Lisa Fielding (@Lisa_Fielding) January 27, 2017
Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Johnson "felt light headed," but "did not lose consciousness" and "was coherent" as he waited to go to a hospital for an examination. Guglielmi said paramedics checked out Johnson, who was given fluids, and was able to walk to his own car to go to the hospital for an examination.
Supt Johnson felt light headed at presser and did not lose conciousness. He was coherent and will go to an area hospital for examination.
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 27, 2017
Supt Johnson walked to his car on his own w Mayor Emanuel and will go to hospital to be checked out. He was talking, alert & feeling better pic.twitter.com/Zgv5FliXN5
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 27, 2017
The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police -- the union representing rank-and-file officers -- offered well wishes Friday afternoon.
"Allow us to share our collective prayers for Superintendent Eddie Johnson. One could only imagine the vast scope and overwhelming responsibility that comes with the charge of being the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. We wish him a quick recovery and good health," the FOP said in a statement on Facebook.