Body Camera Video Shows Shooting That Killed Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins
Police Release Footage of Officer’s Fatal Shooting
Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins called out to a gunman to keep his hands up just seconds before the officer was fatally shot.
Newly released footage from Reddins’ body camera recorded the detective yelling out, “Don’t reach, bro. Don’t reach. Keep your hands up,” seconds before he was shot by a gunman police later identified as 37-year-old Jerrell Thomas.
Police on Thursday released video footage from five officers who were involved in the Nov. 29 shootout outside the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St.
Chase Bank Incident
That day, Reddins was handling patrol duties due to staff shortages when he responded about 9:30 a.m. to a call of an armed person seen leaving a Chase Bank.
A police sergeant spotted a suspect walking down Lake Street alongside the library, which had been closed at the time of the shooting.
Sergeant’s Body Camera Footage
Footage from the sergeant’s camera showed him approaching the man and asking “Can I talk to you for a second?”
The suspect responded, “How you doin’?”
The sergeant said, “Good, how are you?” before the man responded “I’m alright.”
The sergeant then calls out to him, “Keep your hands. Don’t reach, don’t reach, don’t reach, don’t reach. Put your hands up.”
Reddins can be heard issuing a similar command in his body camera footage.
Last Moments
The last thing the suspect said was “I have to go back home,” before he’s seen pulling out a gun and opening fire.
Reddins’ body camera footage cuts off after the first shot, but in the sergeant’s footage, at least six shots are heard before the suspect runs to hide behind a pillar near the library’s entrance.
Multiple officers are heard calling out to the man to drop the gun and put his hands up.
Aftermath
Reddins was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead at 40. He suffered a gunshot wound to his left side.
Thomas was also taken to Loyola University Medical Center and is facing 56 felony charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
Thomas remains in custody and is expected to appear in court March 4.
Funeral and Tributes
Reddins joined the Oak Park Police Department in 2019 after serving for two years as a Metra police officer. He became a detective in 2022.
Hundreds of police officers, family and friends attended his funeral last month at Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn. He was remembered as a proud father and a caring friend.
“I knew immediately Allan was an asset to the Oak Park Police Department and to the Oak Park community,” Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said during her eulogy.
“Allan was wise beyond his years,” Johnson added. “No one would have known he had just shy of eight years in this profession. His commitment to serving is unparalleled. His dedication to the department and to the Oak Park community was undeniable.”
Conclusion
The fatal shooting of Detective Allan Reddins serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn his loss.
FAQs
Q: What happened on the day of the shooting?
A: Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins responded to a call of an armed person seen leaving a Chase Bank. He was fatally shot by the suspect, Jerrell Thomas, outside the Oak Park Public Library.
Q: What charges is Jerrell Thomas facing?
A: Thomas is facing 56 felony charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, but police have released video footage from five officers involved in the incident.
Q: What was the reaction to the shooting?
A: The shooting was met with widespread shock and condolences from the community, with hundreds attending Reddins’ funeral to pay their respects.
