Chicago man Jerell Thomas, who was charged with the shooting death of Oak Park Det. Allan Reddins, will remain detained until his next court date Dec. 20.
Thomas, 37, appeared in court Thursday in Maywood. Thomas allegedly shot Reddins on the 800 block of Lake Street on Nov. 29. Reddins later died at Loyola University Medical Center. Thomas was also shot.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, Thomas entered the Chase Bank and was approached by a manager who thought he was acting suspiciously. Thomas displayed a gun and left the bank. Security and Oak Park police were contacted.
Reddins, according to Fox 32 Chicago, and another officer encountered Thomas outside the bank. The two officers approached Thomas near the Oak Park Public Library.
Surveillance footage showed Thomas reaching in his jacket as the officers told him to keep his hands visible. The officers then backed away, according to Fox 32 Chicago.
Six shots were fired.
Thomas’ first shot hit Reddins in his side. The second officer was not harmed, but Thomas was seen on footage firing at both officers.
Thomas was reportedly shot in the leg by another officer and his gun, a .40 caliber pistol, was recovered. Thomas’ sister had reported the gun stolen to Chicago police a few days prior to the shooting, according to Fox 32 Chicago.
On Nov. 26, Thomas and his father got into a physical argument. Thomas then reportedly went into his sister’s bedroom and took the weapon from a safety box.
Thomas also has felony convictions for aggravated battery to a peace officer.
He is expected to appear in court again Dec. 20 but will remain in custody until then.
A candlelight vigil for Reddins will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the courtyard of Village Hall at 123 Madison St. A visitation for family and friends will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Leak & Sons Funeral Home at 7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago.
And a wake will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12, followed by a funeral service, at Apostolic Church of God at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood.
The Oak Park Lodge #8, Fraternal Order of Police also is collecting donations for the Reddins family. The money raised will be used to support the family, particularly his son, who attends college out of state, and his mother, who is receiving medical treatment, officials said. For more information, email oakparklodge8@gmail.com. Donations also can be made by Zelle using this email address: oakparklodge8@gmail.com. Checks can be mailed to Oak Park FOP Lodge 8, P.O. Box 1054, Oak Park, Illinois, 60304. For more information, visit www.oakparkfop8.org.
A limited supply of blue ribbons will be available in the lobby at Village Hall for those interested in displaying a ribbon in honor of the detective. The ribbons can be picked up during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at the candlelight vigil Friday while supplies last.