A Cook County judge ruled Thursday morning that 37-year-old Jerell Thomas be held without bond in connection to the killing of Oak Park police detective Allan Reddins, who was fatally shot in the line of duty late last month.
The deadly incident unfolded on the morning of Black Friday after police were called to Chase Bank on Lake Street after Thomas allegedly brandished a gun inside the bank while behaving erratically, according to a witness inside the establishment.
“The offender stood around for at least 15 minutes. He was approached by the manager who said he was behaving strangely,” Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Eugene Wood said. “He is seen on video taking out a gun and walking out.”
Two Oak Park police officers responded, including Reddins, who was in the field due to staffing shortages and arrived to the scene by himself in a marked squad car.
“Police-worn body camera footage captured the offender reaching for the inside of his unzipped jacket,” Wood said. “They told him to keep his hands up and not to reach.”
Wood said the video showed Thomas ignoring police commands.
At this time, Thomas revealed a weapon and fired multiple shots at both officers, with bodycam video capturing three gunshots, prosecutors said.
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Both officers retreated upon the sound of gunfire, with Reddins sustaining a gunshot wound while attempting to return to his squad car. Reddins was unable to use his police radio for assistance, according to court documents.
“A witness from across the street looked out the window and took photos using her phone. She saw the offender fire multiple rounds from his gun, and she noticed and heard the shots that the offender fired first,” Wood said. “Det. Reddins sustained one gunshot wound to the right of his body, above the waist. It lacerated his liver, his lungs, struck his aorta and was lodged in his sternum.”
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According to prosecutors, the gun Thomas allegedly used in the killing was stolen from his sister just days before the shooting. Thomas' sister filed a report regarding the theft with Chicago police on Nov. 24.
Thomas does not have a valid FOID or CCL, and has two prior felony convictions for aggravated battery to a peace officer, prosecutors said.
Thomas is due to appear back in court on Dec. 20.
