Chicago, Illinois – A Chicago man accused of fatally shooting an Oak Park detective has been charged with several offenses, including first-degree murder, Oak Park officials announced on Saturday.
Jerrell Thomas, 37, of North Lawndale, faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon. This is not Thomas’s first encounter with the law, as he has had previous arrests on charges such as aggravated battery to a police officer, resisting a police officer, and domestic battery.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday when Det. Allan Reddins, a 40-year-old Chicago resident and a five-year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department, responded to a call regarding a person with a gun. Reddins was shot in the left side and was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead. This marks the first line-of-duty death for the Oak Park Police Department since 1938.
During a media briefing, Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson expressed her admiration for Reddins, describing him as a natural leader who always went above and beyond. Meanwhile, Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is currently receiving treatment at Loyola University Medical Center for injuries that are not life-threatening.
Following the protocol for officer-involved shootings resulting in death, the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force has joined the investigation to provide assistance, as confirmed by Oak Park officials. No bond hearing has been scheduled for Thomas at this time.
The Oak Park Fire Department responded to the scene on Lake Street after reports of the shooting, where they found Det. Reddins critically injured. Prior to the shooting, witnesses saw a man leaving a Chase Bank branch with a gun, which led to the initial emergency response.
As the community mourns the loss of Det. Reddins, the Oak Park Police Department is grappling with the devastating impact of this tragedy. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting continues, with law enforcement officers working diligently to bring justice for Det. Allan Reddins and his loved ones.