Kankakee Times

The Bradley Police Department has issued an update from the family of Officer Tyler Bailey who suffered a gunshot wound at the same time his partner, Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic was killed.  

"In the early days of his hospitalization, we were told that if Tyler lived, he would likely never recover from a vegetative state," Bailey's family said in a release. "Then he woke up. We were told he would likely never talk again, but he communicates daily. We were told Tyler's injury was catastrophic and would lead to no chance of independent living, but Tyler is conscious and does not depend upon any medical devices to keep him alive. He is fully aware of his surroundings, he understands what he has been through, and how much hard work is ahead of him. He has regular conversations with the family, medical personnel, physical therapy staff, and is able to fully cooperate in his recovery process."

Bailey suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

"As with most individuals recovering from a severe head injury or long term hospitalization, Tyler has a lot of work to do in order to build up strength and coordination in his body after all he has been through," the statement continued. "He will continue in the physical therapy program while he gains his strength back. Just a few days ago, in a very difficult conversation, Tyler was informed for the first time that Marlene had passed away. Needless to say, it hit him very hard. A little while later, after the emotions subsided a bit, Tyler vowed to work even harder at his recovery in memory of Marlene. His determination level has kicked into another gear as he works to get back to us here. Back to a normal life where he can again be the one helping others, after all that have helped him." 

Rittmanic, 49, and Bailey, 27, were dispatched to the Comfort Inn parking lot on Route 50 and Interstate 57 on Dec. 29 in response to a report of abandoned dogs in a car, Kankakee Times reported. Sullivan is accused of pursuing Rittmanic and "executing" her in addition to shooting Bailey in the head. Bailey had just been married for two months in Bourbonnais when the incident occurred. He was initially detained at Oak Lawn's Christ Hospital. He's been released to home care.

In support of his treatment, a GoFundMe page has been set up.

Darius Sullivan, 25, and Xandria Harris, 26, are both charged with first-degree murder in Rittmanic’s death and attempted murder in the shooting of Bailey. They are both being held at the Kankakee County jail without bond.

Prior to the incident, the Bradley Police Department and other law enforcement agencies had many run-ins with Sullivan. He had previously faced charges of fleeing an officer, driving without a license, burglary and drug possession.