**Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Oak Park Detective; Suspect Charged with Multiple Crimes**

An Oak Park detective was tragically killed on Friday following a violent encounter near the Oak Park Public Library. Authorities have arrested and charged Jerrell Thomas, 37, from Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, in connection with the shooting.

Thomas faces several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Oak Park officials revealed Thomas's criminal history, which includes previous arrests for aggravated battery to a police officer, resisting an officer, and domestic battery.

The incident unfolded just after 9:35 a.m. when the Oak Park Fire Department responded to a shooting on the 800 block of Lake Street. They discovered Detective Allan Reddins, a 40-year-old resident of Chicago and a five-year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department, suffering from a gunshot wound. Reddins, who had been responding to reports of an armed individual leaving a Chase Bank branch on Lake Street, was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood but later succumbed to his injuries. This marks the first line-of-duty death for the department since 1938.

Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson spoke highly of Reddins, noting his natural leadership and dedication to going above and beyond in his duties. The loss of Reddins has deeply affected the department and the community.

Jerrell Thomas, who was also injured in the altercation, is being treated at Loyola University Medical Center for a gunshot wound to the leg. His injuries are described as non-life-threatening, and no bond hearing has been scheduled as of yet.

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is aiding in the investigation, as is customary in cases involving the fatal shooting of a police officer. The community awaits further details as the investigation continues.