A Cook County judge ruled Thursday morning that Jerell Thomas, 37, would be held without bail because of “overwhelming evidence” that he fatally shot Oak Park Detective Alan Reddins and attempted to shoot a sergeant during a crime captured on surveillance video.
The deadly incident occurred on the morning of Black Friday after police were called to the Chase Bank on Lake Street after Thomas allegedly brandished a gun inside the bank while behaving erratically , the bank told NBC Chicago.
“The offender was there for at least 15 minutes. He was approached by the principal who told him he was acting strangely,” said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Eugene Wood. “He is seen on video pulling out a gun and walking out.”
Two Oak Park police officers responded, including Det. Reddins, who was on the ground due to staffing shortages and responding to the scene alone in a marked patrol car.
“Police body camera footage captured the offender reaching inside his open jacket,” Wood said. “They told him to keep his hands up and not tense them. »
Wood said the video showed Thomas not listening to police commands.
At that point, Thomas raised his right arm and fired at the two officers, with the body camera capturing three shots.
Both officers retreated, with Reddins being struck while attempting to return to his patrol car. He was unable to use the police radio to get help, according to court documents.
“A witness across the street looked out the window and took photos with his phone. She saw the offender fire several shots from his gun, and she noticed and heard the shots the offender fired first,” Wood said. “Detective. Reddins suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of his body, above the waist. It lacerated his liver, his lungs, hit his aorta and lodged in his sternum.
Prosecutors say the gun Thomas allegedly used in the killing was stolen from his sister just days before the shooting.
Thomas’ sister reported the theft on Nov. 24 to Chicago police. Thomas does not have a valid FOID or CCL and has two prior convictions for aggravated battery of a peace officer.
Thomas is due to appear in court again on December 20.
