Oak Park Detective Killed, Offender Injured in Shooting
Officer Killed in Line of Duty
A suburban police department is mourning the loss of one of their own after a detective was killed and a suspect was injured in a shooting on Friday morning.
Shooting Occurred on Lake Street
According to officials, the Oak Park Fire Department responded to a call of shots fired around 9:35 a.m. on the 800 block of Lake Street in Oak Park. Upon arrival, authorities learned an Oak Park Police Officer had been shot in the left side.
Officer Pronounced Dead
He was transported to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition but was later pronounced dead around 10:10 a.m.
Identification of the Detective
Authorities have since identified the detective as 40-year-old Allan Reddins, a Chicago resident, who had been with the department since May 2019.
Reddins’ Background
Reddins is being remembered as a natural-born leader. He was a beloved member of the Oak Park Police Department and was promoted in the last few years for always taking that extra step and for his work in closing big cases.
Paying Tribute to Reddins
“Our police department, we’re hurting right now. I’m hurting. His family is hurting,” Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said. “This is the worst day of any chief of police.”
Reddins leaves behind an adult son and a mother who he loved dearly, according to Johnson.
First Line of Duty Death
His death marks the first line of duty death for the Oak Park Police Department since 1938.
Offender Injured
Another person, the offender, was shot in the leg, according to officials. A short time earlier, the offender was seen leaving a bank on Lake Street with a gun, which prompted the initial police response.
Suspect in Custody
The suspected shooter is in custody and is being treated at Loyola Hospital.
Preliminary Investigation
The preliminary investigation reveals Reddins and several other officers responded to a call about someone with a gun leaving the Chase Bank on Lake Street. Reddins directed the suspect to show his hands and that’s when police said the suspect shot Reddins on the left side of his body.
Condolences and Support
The Village of Oak Park extends its deepest condolences to Detective Reddins’ family, friends, and colleagues within the Oak Park Police Department and the wider law enforcement community as they process the grief caused by this senseless violence.
Statement from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
“Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins lost his life in the line of duty while protecting his community today. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and the entire Oak Park Police Department as we grieve the loss of a dedicated officer. May his memory be a blessing.”
Witness Account
Witnesses said they ducked for cover when they heard the gunfire and even saw the suspect.
Conclusion
The community is mourning the loss of Detective Reddins, a dedicated officer who lost his life in the line of duty. As the investigation continues, the village and the police department are reaching out to the public for any information that could help authorities in their investigation.
FAQs
* What happened during the shooting?
+ The suspect shot Detective Reddins on the left side of his body.
* Who is the suspected shooter?
+ The suspected shooter is in custody and is being treated at Loyola Hospital.
* What is the status of the investigation?
+ The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking for any information that could help them.
* How can I report any information about the incident?
+ You can contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708-386-3800 or dial 911. You can also leave an anonymous tip online or by calling 708-434-1636.
