An Illinois police detective was shot and killed by a violent profession felony on Friday — marking the primary on-duty demise the quiet village of Oak Park has recorded in 86 years.
Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins, 40, responded to a name with different officers of an armed man leaving a financial institution that resulted in a lethal confrontation when the suspect drew his gun and opened hearth.
Reddins, who joined the division in 2019, died after he was shot on the left aspect of his physique, based on the Oak Park Police Division.
The suspect, recognized as Jerell Thomas, 37, was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree homicide and different associated costs related to the line-of-duty slaying, police stated.
Reddins was the primary Oak Park officer killed within the line of responsibility since 1938.
“Our police department, we’re hurting right now,” Police Chief Shatonya Johnson stated at a information convention Friday.
“I’m hurting. His family is hurting. Please keep us in your prayers.”
Reddins and different officers initially responded to the 1000 block of Lake Avenue round 9 a.m. and noticed the gunman leaving a Chase Financial institution, police stated.
Officers approached Thomas and ordered him to indicate them his fingers earlier than he fired off photographs, putting Reddins.x
The alleged perp was additionally shot within the leg when officers returned hearth, police stated.
Reddins was taken to Loyola College Medical Heart in Maywood the place he was pronounced useless at 10:10 a.m.
The accused cop killer was taken to the identical hospital, the place he’s receiving remedy and stays in custody, police stated. He’s at the moment in secure situation.
Police referred to Thomas as a “habitual criminal” with an extended historical past of arrests that embody aggravated battery to a police officer, home battery, battery and resisting a police officer.
Dozens of police and hearth firefighters all through the Chicago space held a police procession alongside Interstate 290 Saturday afternoon as Reddins’ physique was transported from the hospital to the Prepare dinner County Medical Examiner’s workplace.
The general public security personnel stood at consideration and saluted the ambulance because the fallen cop’s physique was carried inside, based on transferring photographs posted by the police division.
“Thank you for the outpouring of condolences for Detective Allan Reddins and support for the Oak Park Police Department during this difficult time,” the division posted on Fb.
“Plans for a public memorial are being discussed and will be shared when details become available.”
Thomas can also be charged with tried homicide of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and illegal use of a weapon by a felon.
A court docket date has but to be decided on account of his hospitalization.
