Oak Park Detective Fatally Shot in Library Shootout, Suspect Faces 56 Charges

Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins was fatally shot during a confrontation with a gunman outside the Oak Park Public Library on Nov. 29, 2024, according to newly released body camera footage. The incident occurred after Reddins responded to a call about an armed individual near a Chase Bank on Lake Street. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Thomas, is now facing 56 felony charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder of a peace officer.

Footage from Reddins’ body camera captured his final moments as he repeatedly instructed the suspect to keep his hands up. Seconds later, Thomas pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking Reddins in the left side. The detective was pronounced dead at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Multiple officers engaged in the shootout, with at least six shots fired before Thomas was wounded in the leg and apprehended.

Thomas, who was also taken to Loyola University Medical Center, remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 4. Police recovered a gun he allegedly threw under a nearby bench during the confrontation. Reddins, who joined the Oak Park Police Department in 2019 and became a detective in 2022, was remembered as a dedicated officer and loving father during his funeral at Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn.

Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson praised Reddins’ commitment to the community, stating, ‘Allan was wise beyond his years. His dedication to the department and to the Oak Park community was undeniable.’ The incident has sparked renewed discussions about officer safety and staffing shortages in the department.