Oak Park, IL – A Chicago man now faces multiple felony charges for the line-of-duty death of an Oak Park police detective.
Jerell Thomas, 37, of Chicago, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Detective Allan Reddins. Thomas also faces charges of attempted murder of a peace officer, possessing a stolen firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. The incident occurred Friday on the 800 block of Lake Street in Oak Park.
According to police, Reddins approached Thomas while investigating reports of suspicious activity near a bank. Thomas allegedly ignored commands and opened fire, striking Reddins. Medics transported Reddins to Loyola Medical Center, where he later died.
Authorities revealed Thomas suffered a leg injury during the exchange and remains hospitalized. Investigators describe Thomas as a repeat offender with prior arrests for battery and resisting police. No bond hearing is scheduled while he receives treatment.
Reddins, a department member since 2019, is the first Oak Park officer killed in the line of duty since 1938.
The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is investigating the incident, which remains ongoing.
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