Detective Allan Reddins Obituary, Death; – Authorities have formally charged a 37-year-old man from Chicago with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a police detective from a nearby suburb.
Detective Allan Reddins, serving with the Oak Park Police Department, was fatally shot on Friday morning while responding to a report regarding an individual leaving a bank armed with a firearm in the suburb located just west of Chicago. He succumbed to his injuries later at a local hospital.
On Saturday, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office filed charges against Jerell Thomas of Chicago for the murder. In addition to first-degree murder, Thomas faces charges of attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon. According to Oak Park authorities, Thomas opened fire when approached by Detective Reddins and other officers.
Thomas sustained a leg injury and remained hospitalized on Sunday, though his injuries were not life-threatening. As of now, no bond hearing has been scheduled. A phone number associated with Thomas has been disconnected, and an email seeking his comment was sent on Sunday.
Investigators have described Thomas as a “habitual criminal,” noting his prior arrests for offenses including aggravated battery against a police officer, domestic battery, battery, and resisting arrest.
Detective Reddins, aged 40, was the first Oak Park police officer to be shot in the line of duty since 1938, as reported by officials from Oak Park. He had been a member of the department since 2019.
