OAK PARK, Sick. (WLS) — A group got here collectively Friday night to recollect Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins.
The detective was shot and killed final week when confronting a person who had allegedly left a financial institution close by with a gun.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click on right here to look at
Chicago man Jerell Thomas is accused within the deadly capturing.
Thomas has been charged with first diploma homicide, felony possession of a stolen firearm and illegal use of a weapon by a felon for the capturing dying of the veteran lawman. The offender additionally faces tried homicide of a peace officer for capturing and wounding one other responding officer.
“It is a pivotal second in our historical past to come back collectively and to be united as one.” Oak Park Police Division Chief Shatonya Johnson mentioned.
The group packed a courtyard at Village Corridor, braving the frigid climate to recollect a police detective and father who gave 5 years serving and defending the folks of Oak Park.
“What we yearn for is just human connection, a quiet presence,” Oak Park Police Chaplain Rev. Adonna Reid mentioned.
A somber setting was forged in shadows whereas lit candles illuminated a group’s grief.
“Collectively we vow that this sacrifice is not going to be forgotten, and his legacy will proceed to encourage us all,” Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman mentioned.
That legacy is felt in Oak Park resident Marisa Muñoz’s house, the place she says Reddins often responded to her ailing father.
“You made a unique in Oak Park,” Muñoz mentioned. “You will all the time maintain a spot in my coronary heart and my household’s coronary heart. You have been there for my dad.”
Vigil attendee Brenda Irizarry’s late husband was a California police officer who was gunned down in 1983 whereas serving a search warrant.
“It is like a wound that does not heal,” Irizarry mentioned.
Brenda Irizarry’s late husband was a California police officer who was gunned down in 1983 whereas serving a search warrant. She mentioned her decades-old heartache nonetheless lingers together with her, as she exhibits help for Reddins’ household and her new Oak Park group that is now reeling from a tragedy that is solely days outdated.
“And, it simply hurts. It nonetheless hurts,” Irizarry mentioned. “And, I am hurting for this household. I am hurting for his son.”
In a press release, Detective Reddins’ son, who’s a Morehouse School honor pupil, known as his late father his hero and now his guardian angel.
Reddins will probably be laid to relaxation subsequent week. A wake begins at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. adopted by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Apostolic Church of God, situated at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. in Chicago.
For these eager about donating to help a fund for the Reddins household, Oak Park Lodge #8, Fraternal Order of Police, is presently gathering donations by way of Zelle to the next e mail deal with: oakparklodge8@gmail.com.
A QR code to contribute by way of Zelle can be obtainable at www.oak-park.us/reddins.
Cash raised will go on to a monetary account that has been arrange by the Fraternal Order of Police in help of the Reddins the household, specifically for his son who attends faculty out of state and his mom who’s receiving medical remedy, Oak Park officers mentioned. For extra data, contact Lodge 8 Secretary Joseph Nash at oakparklodge8@gmail.com.
The Reddins household mentioned in a press release Wednesday, “The Household of Detective Allan Reddins mourns the lack of their father, son, brother and pal. Allan was a proud father of his son, an honor pupil at Morehouse School, who states, ‘my dad is my hero and now my guardian angel. I’m now extra decided than ever to proceed to make each of my dad and mom proud.’
Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
