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  • February 16, 2025
Chicago’s Jerell Thomas charged with murder in Oak Park police officer Allan Reddins shot to death in 1000 block of Lake Street

Chicago’s Jerell Thomas charged with murder in Oak Park police officer Allan Reddins shot to death in 1000 block of Lake Street

OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A 37-year-old Chicago man has been charged in the Friday morning shooting of Oak Park Police Department 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.

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

The charges come as Oak Park police are in deep mourning after the 40-year-old Reddins was shot and killed Friday morning.

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

Oak Park police said Reddins was working patrol when he responded to the 1000 block of Lake Street around 9:30 a.m. Friday on 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, which is when he brandished a gun. Thomas then began shooting, hitting Reddins on the left side of his body.

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

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

No hearing has been held while Thomas is treated in hospital.

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

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

Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson says the loss of Reddins is felt throughout the department.

“I’m in pain,” Johnson said. “This is every police chief’s worst day.”

Johnson, who already had a black band wrapped around her star, felt the weight of losing her military service that few Oak Park chefs before her have known. She hired and then promoted Reddins over the past five years.

“I knew Allan personally because I did his background research, and I quickly discovered he had a talent that was needed here,” Johnson said.

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

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

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

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