Oak Park, Illinois – A tragic incident unfolded in Oak Park when Detective Allan Reddins of the Oak Park Police Department was fatally shot while responding to a call involving an armed offender. The harrowing event, which took place outside the Oak Park Public Library, was captured on newly released body camera footage. The footage shows Detective Reddins urging the gunman to keep his hands up just moments before he was shot by the assailant, later identified as Jerrell Thomas, a 37-year-old man.
Detective Reddins’ death shocked the community, as he had joined the Oak Park Police Department in 2019 and had quickly risen to the rank of detective by 2022. His colleagues and loved ones remembered him as a proud father and a dedicated officer during his funeral, which was attended by hundreds of mourners.
The incident unfolded on November 29 when Reddins, who was on patrol duty due to staff shortages, responded to a call about an armed individual leaving a Chase Bank. The encounter quickly turned deadly when the suspect, Thomas, pulled out a gun and opened fire on the officers. Despite their attempts to de-escalate the situation and apprehend the suspect peacefully, the officers were forced to fire back in self-defense.
Thomas, who was also injured in the shootout, is now facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder of a peace officer. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 4th.
The loss of Detective Reddins has left a void in the Oak Park Police Department, with Police Chief Shatonya Johnson praising his dedication and commitment to serving the community. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty. As the community mourns the loss of a hero, they also reflect on the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.