First-degree murder charges against suspect in Oak Park detective’s death

Jerrell Thomas, 37, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the Nov. 29 death of Oak Park police Detective Allan Reddins. Thomas lives in Chicago and has an extensive criminal history, including arrests for aggravated assault on a police officer, domestic assault, battery and resisting a police officer.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Thomas with first-degree murder in the line-of-duty death of Reddins. 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.

Reddins, 40, was shot on Friday, Nov. 29, when Reddens and other officers responded to a police call after Thomas was allegedly seen leaving the Chase Bank on Lake Street with a gun. The shooting occurred in the 800 block of Lake Street.