West Cook News

Jerell Thomas, a resident of Chicago, faces charges from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in connection with the death of Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins. The charges include first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

The incident occurred when Detective Reddins responded to reports of an individual seen with a gun near Chase Bank on Lake Street. Investigators report that as officers approached Thomas, he allegedly failed to comply with their directives and opened fire, hitting Reddins. He was transported to Loyola Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries. This marks the first line-of-duty death for an Oak Park officer since 1938. Detective Reddins had served in the department since 2019.

Thomas sustained leg injuries during the confrontation and is currently hospitalized at Loyola with non-life-threatening wounds. A bond hearing has not been scheduled due to his ongoing medical treatment.

Authorities describe Thomas as a habitual criminal with previous arrests for offenses including aggravated battery against police officers and domestic battery.

In accordance with Oak Park Police Department policy, the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is involved in investigating the shooting. The task force's involvement is standard procedure when an officer-involved shooting occurs.

For additional details on Detective Reddins’ death, further information can be accessed through official channels.