An Illinois police detective was shot and killed by a violent career criminal on Friday — marking the first on-duty death the quiet village of Oak Park has recorded in 86 years.
Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins, 40, responded to a call with other officers of an armed man leaving a bank that ended in a deadly confrontation when the suspect drew his gun and opened fire.
Reddins, who joined the department in 2019, died after he was shot on the left side of his body, according to the Oak Park Police Department.
The suspect, identified as Jerell Thomas, 37, was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree murder and other related charges connected to the line-of-duty slaying, police said.
Reddins was the first Oak Park officer killed in the line of duty since 1938.
“Our police department, we’re hurting right now,” Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said at a news conference Friday.
“I’m hurting. His family is hurting. Please keep us in your prayers.”
Reddins and other officers initially responded to the 1000 block of Lake Street around 9 a.m. and spotted the gunman leaving a Chase Bank, police said.
Officers approached Thomas and ordered him to show them his hands before he fired off shots, striking Reddins.x
The alleged perp was also shot in the leg when officers returned fire, police said.
Reddins was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood where he was pronounced dead at 10:10 a.m.
The accused cop killer was taken to the same hospital, where he’s receiving treatment and remains in custody, police said. He is currently in stable condition.
Police referred to Thomas as a “habitual criminal” with a long history of arrests that include aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, battery and resisting a police officer.
Dozens of police and fire firefighters throughout the Chicago area held a police procession along Interstate 290 Saturday afternoon as Reddins’ body was transported from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
The public safety personnel stood at attention and saluted the ambulance as the fallen cop’s body was carried inside, according to moving photos posted by the police department.
“Thank you for the outpouring of condolences for Detective Allan Reddins and support for the Oak Park Police Department during this difficult time,” the department posted on Facebook.
“Plans for a public memorial are being discussed and will be shared when details become available.”
Thomas is also charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
A court date has yet to be determined due to his hospitalization.
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