CHICAGO — A citywide manhunt is underway as authorities search for Glenn Rhymes, a man accused of shooting two individuals — including a co-worker — just hours after he was released from police custody for an earlier incident involving a firearm at UI Health.
The developing case has sparked serious concerns about security, the criminal justice process, and gun violence in public spaces. As of Wednesday, security remains visibly heightened at UI Health, particularly at the Outpatient Care Center (OCC) South Tower, where the initial confrontation began.
First Incident: Gun Threat Inside Hospital Lobby
According to police and hospital officials, the first alarming encounter took place Monday morning in the South Tower lobby of the OCC building on the UI Health campus. Rhymes, identified as a contracted Aramark employee, allegedly became involved in an argument with a patient. During that altercation, he reportedly pulled out a handgun and threatened the patient.
Thanks to the swift response from UI Health Security and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Police, Rhymes was quickly taken into custody and his firearm was confiscated. Fortunately, no shots were fired and no injuries occurred during this hospital-related incident.
Despite the seriousness of the event, Rhymes was charged with only three misdemeanor offenses and later released from custody. Authorities also revoked his Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, barring him from legally possessing firearms.
Second Incident: Two Shot After Release
Not long after his release from jail, Rhymes is accused of committing a far more violent act. Later that same day, he allegedly shot two individuals at an off-campus location, including one person identified as his co-worker. The exact location and nature of the second shooting have not been fully disclosed, but authorities confirm that both victims sustained injuries. Their current conditions have not been released.
Police say that Rhymes has since fled the scene and remains at large, prompting a multi-agency manhunt across the greater Chicago area.
Public Safety Concerns and Hospital Response
The dual incidents — particularly the rapid escalation from a firearm threat to a shooting — have raised serious questions about why Rhymes was released from custody so quickly after the hospital confrontation.
A spokesperson for UI Health issued a statement, saying:
“We are deeply disturbed by the events of Monday and are working closely with law enforcement. The safety of our patients, staff, and visitors remains our top priority. Security protocols have been increased as a precaution.”
Officials confirmed that Rhymes had been employed at the hospital as a contractor through Aramark, which has since stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Charges and Investigation
In the first incident, UIC Police charged Rhymes with the following misdemeanor offenses:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Aggravated Assault
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Rhymes was also stripped of his FOID card, yet apparently still had access to a firearm by the time of the second shooting later that day. This has spurred renewed discussions on firearm access control, background checks, and the risk assessment processes used by local law enforcement and courts when determining release conditions.
Ongoing Manhunt and Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
As of Wednesday evening, Glenn Rhymes remains on the run, and police are urging the public to exercise caution and report any sightings or information regarding his whereabouts immediately.
He is considered armed and dangerous.
“Anyone who sees Rhymes or has information on his location should not approach him and should call 911 or local law enforcement immediately,” said a UIC Police spokesperson.
Community Reaction
The community — particularly those who work at or receive care from UI Health — has expressed outrage and concern over how quickly Rhymes was released after the initial threat.
Many are questioning:
- Why the initial charges were misdemeanors despite the presence of a firearm.
- How Rhymes retained access to a weapon after his FOID card was revoked.
- Whether enough was done to protect the public from a clearly escalating threat.
Lawmakers and public safety officials are now facing pressure to re-evaluate how gun-related threats in sensitive environments like hospitals are prosecuted and handled.
This is a developing story. Authorities continue to search for Glenn Rhymes and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Updates will be provided as more details become available.
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