Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson “felt light-headed” at a Friday morning press conference but did not lose consciousness, said police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
“He was coherent and will go to an area hospital for examination,” Guglielmi said in a tweet.
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
Johnson’s medical episode occurred at a press conference with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to announce the launch of new technology to fight street violence.
Hours after the morning incident, Guglielmi reported Johnson was in “great spirits” and the medical episode was “unrelated to a longstanding kidney issue.”
Supt Johnson ro be released from the hosp in next few hrs. He is fine & in great spirits. Incident unrelated to a longstanding kidney issue
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 27, 2017
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Johnson has been managing a kidney issue for 32 years and needs a kidney transplant.
“He has been managing it successfully with no impact on his ability to lead a normal life. He is not on dialysis. He does not have diabetes,” Guglielmi told the Sun-Times.
Following his discharge, Johnson is expected to brief the media, according to tweet from Guglielmi.
Tonight following his dischsrge, Supt. Johnson will brief media on his health episode at Chicago Police Headquarters.
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 27, 2017
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Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson on Chicago’s Violent 2016
Jan. 3: “The violence in this city is more about what the bad guys are doing and not so much about what the police are or are not doing,” Chicago Police Superintendent said during an interview with Eddie Arruza. Hear the full conversation.