‘Habitual criminal’ charged with aggravated murder in shooting death of Oak Park detective

OAK PARK, Ill. – A Chicago man described as a “habitual criminal” has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of a village police officer Friday.

Jerell Thomas, 37, is also charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Authorities allege Thomas shot Det. Allan Reddins as a detective responded to a call about a person leaving a Chase bank location with a gun.

Reddins was shot in the left side of his body and died at Loyola University Medical Center. His death was the first of a serving officer in the community in 86 years.

Thomas remains at Loyola University Medical Center with a leg injury. No bond hearing has been scheduled while Thomas remains hospitalized.

In releasing information about the charges, an Oak Park spokesman described Thomas as a “habitual criminal” who has been arrested multiple times in the past for aggravated assault on a police officer, domestic assault, battery and resisting a police officer.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708-386-3800 or call 911. Anyone with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave an anonymous tip online or by calling 708-434. 1636.