Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins Killed in Line of Duty
Published on November 29, 2024
2025 Memorials
Events honor Det. Allan Reddins
Detective Allan Reddins was honored at a ceremony on May 1 in Springfield for Illinois police officers killed in the line of duty in 2024. Members of the Oak Park Police Department and Det. Reddins’ family attended the memorial ceremony. Det. Reddins’ name was engraved onto the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Statue, which sits on the west lawn of the State Capitol.
Det. Reddins' service was honored by the Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of Cook County on May 10.
During the week of May 11, Det. Reddins was honored in Washington, D.C. in a series of events as part of National Police Week. As part of the memorial week, Det. Reddins' name was engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. On May 12, the Law Enforcement United Ride honored all 232 officers nationwide who lost their lives in 2024. A former OPPD rode in honor of Det. Reddins. His name was read aloud during the Candlelight Vigil on May 13. Det. Reddins' service and sacrifice were noted during the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15 at the United States Capitol. Members of the Oak Park Police Department and Det. Reddins’ family traveled to D.C. to mark this solemn remembrance.
The 21st Annual Cycle Across Illinois ride came through Oak Park on July 13. Sgt. Samantha Deuchler and the other 93 riders and 30 support staff biked 389.7 miles across the state to raise awareness and funding for Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), an organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers. A short ceremony at Village Hall honored Det. Allan Reddins. Two young runners, Zachary and Liam, ran one mile along Madison Street as participants in Running 4 Heroes, Inc, a partner organization that also supports families of the fallen. It was a moving experience for all involved, our sincere appreciation to these organizations and supporters.
The Police Department marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Det. Reddins during a ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 29 in the Village Hall courtyard. A new sign has also been installed on the ramp near the main entrance at Village Hall where police vehicles are parked, designating it Reddins Way.
Pictures from 2025 memorial events
Remembering Detective Allan Reddins
Life Celebration
Hundreds of mourners including family and friends, the Oak Park Police and Fire Departments, Village staff and representatives from law enforcement agencies around the country filled the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood to celebrate the life of Detective Reddins. The service included prayer, scripture, songs, remarks and more.
Community Vigil
A community candlelight vigil took place in the courtyard at Village Hall on Fri., Dec. 6, marking the one-week anniversary of Detective Reddins’ death. The remembrance included remarks from Police Chaplain Adonna Reid, Police Chief Shatonya Johnson and Village President Vicki Scaman.
Donate to the Reddins Family
For those interested in donating to support a fund for the Reddins family, Oak Park Lodge #8, Fraternal Order of Police, is currently collecting donations. All money raised will go directly to a financial account that has been set up by the Fraternal Order of Police in support of the Reddins family, in particular for his son who attends Morehouse College and his mother who is receiving medical treatment.
Click Here to Donate
It is with great sadness that the Village of Oak Park announces that Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins was killed on Nov. 29, 2024, in the line of duty, while responding to a call involving an armed offender.
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 act of violence.
Detective Reddins’ death marks the first Line of Duty death for the Oak Park Police Department since 1938.
At 9:36 a.m., the Oak Park Fire Department responded to a call for shots fired in the 800 block of Lake Street in Oak Park. Upon arrival, firefighter/paramedics learned that an Oak Park Police Officer, Reddins, had been shot in the right side. He was transported to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:10 a.m.
Police responded after being called because the offender had been seen leaving a local bank on the 1000 block of Lake Street with a gun. The offender was shot in the leg. He is in custody and is being treated at Loyola and is in stable condition.
Detective Reddins was 40 years old and a Chicago resident. He was sworn into the Oak Park Police Department in May 2019.
On Nov. 30, 2024, a 37-year old Chicago man with an extensive criminal background has been charged in Reddins' death.
Jerell Thomas, of the 4100 block of W. Cermak Rd. in Chicago, was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with first-degree murder in connection with the line-of-duty death. Thomas was also charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
The investigation revealed that as Det. Reddins and other officers approached Thomas, he failed to comply with officers’ directives and began to shoot, striking Reddins on the right side of his body.
Thomas was injured in the leg in the incident and received treatment at Loyola, where he remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds.
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.