Chicago Man Charged with Murder in Oak Park Detective’s Fatal Shooting

A Chicago man is charged with fatally shooting an Oak Park detective. Jerrell Thomas, 37, 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. His criminal history includes arrests for aggravated battery to a police officer, resisting a police officer, and domestic battery.

The shooting occurred around 9:35 a.m. on Friday in the 800 block of Lake Street. The Oak Park Fire Department found Detective Allan Reddins shot in the left side. Before the shooting, a man was seen leaving a Chase Bank with a gun.

Detective Reddins, a 40-year-old resident of Chicago, was a five-year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department. He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. This marks the department’s first line-of-duty death since 1938.

Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson praised Reddins as a natural leader. Thomas was shot in the leg and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the same hospital. No bond hearing has been scheduled.

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is assisting with the investigation, a standard procedure when an officer is killed.