Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins tragically lost his life during a shootout with an armed suspect on November 29, 2024. Newly released body camera footage reveals the events leading up to the shooting, highlighting Reddins’ final moments as he worked to de-escalate the situation.
Detective Reddins, who was covering patrol duties due to staff shortages, responded to a 9:30 a.m. report of an armed man leaving a Chase Bank. A police sergeant located the suspect near the Oak Park Public Library, which was closed at the time. The sergeant approached the suspect and calmly initiated a conversation, but tension quickly escalated as the officers repeatedly instructed the man to keep his hands visible.
Body camera footage from Reddins captures him shouting, “Don’t reach, bro. Don’t reach. Keep your hands up.” The suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Jerrell Thomas, responded with, “I have to go back home,” before pulling out a gun and firing.
Reddins’ camera cuts off after the first shot, but other footage records six gunshots as the suspect retreated behind a library pillar. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon. Another officer eventually approached and fired two shots, striking the suspect in the leg. Thomas fell to the ground, yelling, “Ow, my leg.”
Officers quickly secured the scene, retrieved the suspect’s discarded gun, and applied first aid to his injury while waiting for an ambulance.
Reddins, hit by a gunshot to his left side, was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center, where he passed away. He was 40 years old.
Detective Reddins joined the Oak Park Police Department in 2019 after two years with the Metra Police. He was promoted to detective in 2022 and was remembered as a dedicated officer, a proud father, and a caring friend. During his funeral, Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson praised his commitment to the community and his professionalism.
Jerrell Thomas, now in custody, faces 56 felony charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder of a police officer. His court appearance is scheduled for March 4, 2025.
This tragic incident highlights the risks officers face daily while protecting their communities. Detective Reddins’ service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
