Tragedy struck Oak Park on Friday morning when a police officer lost his life in the line of duty. Detective Allan Reddins, 40, was responding to a call about an armed man leaving a bank when he was fatally shot. The suspect, who was also injured, is now in police custody.
This heartbreaking event marks the first time an Oak Park officer has died on duty since 1938. Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson expressed the pain felt by the department and community. “This is the worst day for any chief of police,” she said. “We’re hurting, his family is hurting, and we ask for your prayers.”
The Incident
Around 9 a.m., officers were called to a Chase Bank on Lake Street after reports of a man with a gun. Detective Reddins and his team found the suspect nearby and ordered him to show his hands. Instead, the man pulled out a gun and fired, hitting Reddins in the side.
Officers fired back, wounding the suspect in the leg. Reddins was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition, but tragically, he passed away just after 10 a.m. The suspect is also receiving medical care.
The scene left the community shaken. Bullet holes were found in the windows of the Oak Park Public Library, which had to close for the day.
One witness at a nearby UPS store said she heard loud noises she couldn’t believe were gunshots. Another, Nicholas Gradishar, shared his experience of hearing the shots while walking. “I hit the ground and then saw cops everywhere at the library,” he said.
Gradishar also recorded the suspect being taken into custody. “They checked his pockets and found a handgun, but there was also an ARP with a flashlight nearby,” he explained.
Honoring Detective Reddins
Later that day, a solemn police procession escorted Detective Reddins’ body from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. Officers and firefighters from Oak Park and nearby towns stood at attention to honor him.
Detective Reddins leaves behind a 19-year-old son, his mother, and siblings. Chief Johnson described him as a dedicated officer and a “natural-born leader.” She recalled personally hiring him in 2019, impressed by his talent and determination.
Reddins had been with the Oak Park Police Department since 2019 and became a detective in 2022. Before that, he served with the Metra Police Department. Johnson shared her hopes of seeing him rise through the ranks, calling him “phenomenal.”
“He always went the extra mile,” she said. “He was devoted to his work and his family.”
Community Support
An investigation is ongoing, and more details will be shared as they become available. Funeral arrangements for Detective Reddins will be posted on the Oak Park village website.
For now, the Oak Park community is united in grief and gratitude for the life and service of Detective Allan Reddins. “He was one of the best,” Chief Johnson said. “We will never forget him.”
