Jerell Thomas charged with killing Oak Park Police Officer Allan Reddins shot and killed in 1000 block of Lake Street

OAK PARK, Illinois (WLS) — A 37-year-old Chicago man has been charged in the Friday morning shooting death of Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins, officials said Saturday.

Oak Park police said Jerell Thomas has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in connection with the shooting.

Police said Thomas is considered a “habitual criminal” by investigators with a history of multiple arrests for aggravated assault on a police officer, domestic assault, battery and resisting a police officer.

The Oak Park Police Department was deep in mourning after turning 40 Reddins was shot and killed Friday morning.

Reddins, a five-year veteran of the department, is the first Oak Park officer to die in the line of duty since 1938.

Oak Park police said Reddins was working a patrol when he responded to the 1000 block of Lake Street around 9:30 a.m. Friday for a report of a person seen leaving a Chase bank in the area with a gun.

Police said Reddins and other officers asked Thomas to show his hands, and that’s when he held up a gun. Thomas then began firing, striking Reddins on the left side of his body

Reddins was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center, where he died just after 10 a.m. Friday.

Police said Thomas was shot in the leg and was also taken to Loyola for treatment. He is stable and in custody.

No bond hearing has been set while Thomas is treated at the hospital.

An emotional and extended motorcade of first responders could also be seen transporting Reddins to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday.

He was sworn in as an officer in May 2019 and has been described as “family”. He leaves behind a 19-year-old son.

Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johson says Reddins’ loss is felt throughout the department.

“It hurts,” Johnson said. “This is the worst day of any police chief.”

A black band already wrapped around her star, Johnson felt the weight of job loss that few Oak Park bosses before her had known. She hired and then promoted Reddins for the past five years.

“I got to know Allan personally, because we investigated his background and quickly identified that he had a talent that was needed here,” Johnson said.

The Chicago Police Department issued a statement after Reddins’ death, writing, in part, “The Chicago Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Detective Allan Reddins of the Oak Park Police Department, who was shot and killed in the line of duty today (Friday). We will continue to assist and support our neighboring department. through this difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Oak Park police at 708-386-3800.

Anonymous tips can be provided at 708-434-1636 or online at www.oak-park.us/crimetip.