Oak Park, Ill. — Tragedy struck in Oak Park Friday morning when a police detective was fatally shot while responding to a reported armed incident near a local bank. The detective, a seasoned officer, was the first in the department to be killed in the line of duty in decades. The suspect involved in the shooting was also wounded by police before being apprehended.
Detective Allan Reddins, 40, had been serving with the Oak Park Police Department since 2019, quickly establishing himself as a force within the team. Police Chief Shatonya Johnson described the day of the shooting as the darkest in a chief’s career, expressing profound loss for the department and Reddins’ family, who are grappling with the sudden tragedy.
The incident unfolded around 9 a.m. when Reddins was dispatched to the vicinity of the Chase Bank on Lake Street following reports of a man brandishing a gun. Confronting the suspect blocks away, Reddins and other officers commanded the suspect to show his hands, which precipitated an exchange of gunfire. Reddins was critically injured on his left side and succumbed to his injuries by 10:10 a.m. at Loyola University Medical Center.
In the chaos that ensued, the area, including Oak Park’s main library, showed signs of the confrontation, with bullet impacts marking buildings. Witnesses expressed disbelief at the violence, noting the rarity of such events in the normally serene community.
One bystander, Nicholas Gradishar, was near the scene and reported multiple gunshots and a sizeable police presence that secured the area swiftly. He noted that the suspect seemed to possess multiple firearms, raising questions about his intentions and the potential for even greater harm.
As the community reels from the incident, Johnson has highlighted Reddins’ impactful career, noting his substantial contributions to significant cases and his innate leadership qualities. Reddins, who had a history of law enforcement with the Metra Police Department before joining Oak Park, was promoted to detective just last year. Johnson had expressed hope for Reddins’ future as a potential sergeant, reflecting on his dedication and proactive approach to policing.
A somber police procession was witnessed Friday afternoon as Reddins’ body was transported to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office, with law enforcement and fire department personnel lining up to pay their respects. Reddins is survived by a 19-year-old son, his mother, and several siblings, leaving a gaping void both in his family and his community.
The investigation into the shooting continues, with officials examining whether the incident was captured on body cameras, as all Oak Park officers are equipped with them. Details of Reddins’ funeral arrangements are pending and will be shared with the public in due course.
This loss marks a significant and somber milestone for Oak Park Police, reminiscent of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. As the investigation proceeds, the community and the department are united in mourning and reflection on the sacrifices made by those in uniform.