Felony Charges Approved in Connection with Line of Duty Death

Nov. 30, 2024 - A 37-year old Chicago man with an extensive criminal background has been charged in the shooting death of an Oak Park Police officer during an encounter on Fri., Nov. 29 on the 800 block of Lake Street in Oak Park.

Jerell Thomas, of the 4100 block of W. Cermak Rd. in Chicago, has been charged by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office with first-degree murder in connection with the line-of-duty death of Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins. Thomas has also been charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

According to investigators, Reddins was shot after responding to a call of a person observed with a gun leaving the Chase Bank in the 1000 block of Lake Street. He was taken to Loyola Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation reveals that as Det. Reddins and other officers approached Thomas, he failed to comply with officers' directives and began to shoot, striking Reddins on the left side of his body. Reddins' death is the first in the line of duty of an Oak Park Police Officer since 1938. He had been a member of the department since 2019.

Thomas was injured in the leg in the incident and is receiving treatment at Loyola, where he remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds. No bond hearing has been set while Thomas is being treated at the hospital.

Thomas is considered a habitual criminal by investigators with a previous history of multiple arrests for aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, battery and resisting a police officer.

Per standard Oak Park Police Department policy, the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force was called in to assist with the investigation of the shooting. The State Task Force's role is considered routine when an officer is involved in a shooting, according to Police.

For more information on Det. Reddins' death, please click here.

Jerell Thomas (Provided)