OAK PARK, Ill. — A tragic incident unfolded in Oak Park when Detective Allan Reddins was fatally shot Friday morning after responding to a report of an armed man leaving a local bank. The officer, 40, encountered the gunman near Chase Bank on Lake Street, leading to an exchange of gunfire that also resulted in the suspect being wounded and later apprehended.
Chief Shatonya Johnson of the Oak Park Police Department disclosed that the confrontation occurred around 9 a.m. as Reddins and fellow officers attempted to intercept the suspect. The gunman pulled out a handgun during the encounter and shot Detective Reddins, prompting police to return fire, hitting the suspect in the leg.
The injured detective was urgently transported to Loyola University Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries, being pronounced dead at 10:10 a.m. The suspect, meanwhile, was also taken to the same hospital for treatment.
This marks a somber moment for the Oak Park community as Detective Reddins is the first officer from the department to be killed in the line of duty since 1938. Chief Johnson expressed the profound grief permeating the department, highlighting the immense loss felt by Reddins’ colleagues and family.
Witnesses near the scene described hearing gunfire, and the aftermath was visible with bullet holes marking the windows of the village’s main library, which was immediately closed to the public. One bystander, Nicholas Gradishar, recounted his shock at the violence, noting multiple firearms were recovered from the suspect.
Detective Reddins, who had been with the Oak Park Police since May 2019 and a detective since 2022, was remembered by Chief Johnson as a dedicated officer and a natural-born leader. Before joining the Oak Park force, Reddins served with the Metra Police Department, accumulating valuable experience that he brought to his role in Oak Park.
Chief Johnson, who personally conducted Reddins’ background check upon his hiring, shared her observations of his stellar capabilities and leadership potential. According to her, Reddins demonstrated exceptional skills in resolving critical incidents, hinting at a promising future that was tragically cut short.
The community and law enforcement agencies showed their respect for Reddins with a police procession that escorted his body from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. The display of solidarity included numerous officers and firefighters from various departments who saluted Reddins as his body was transported, a poignant acknowledgment of his service and sacrifice.
Detective Reddins is survived by a 19-year-old son, his mother, and siblings. As the community mourns, the details of his funeral are forthcoming and will be shared on the Oak Park village website.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the fatal shooting continues, with authorities examining the details of the deadly encounter. The Oak Park Police Department, equipped with body cameras, has not yet disclosed whether the incident was captured on video.
This heartbreaking event has left the Oak Park community in mourning, reflecting on the risks law enforcement officers face daily and the profound impact of their service on the safety and well-being of the communities they protect.