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Illinois cop, 40, killed by violent career criminal — marking department’s first on-duty death in 86 years: police

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Illinois cop, 40, killed by violent career criminal — marking department’s first on-duty death in 86 years: police


An Illinois police detective was shot and killed by a violent career criminal on Friday — marking the first on-duty death the quiet village of Oak Park has recorded in 86 years.

Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins, 40, responded to a call with other officers of an armed man leaving a bank that ended in a deadly confrontation when the suspect drew his gun and opened fire.

Reddins, who joined the department in 2019, died after he was shot on the left side of his body, according to the Oak Park Police Department.

Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins was shot and killed while responding to a call of an armed man leaving a bank on Nov. 29, 2024. Oak Park Police Department

The suspect, identified as Jerell Thomas, 37, was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree murder and other related charges connected to the line-of-duty slaying, police said.

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Reddins was the first Oak Park officer killed in the line of duty since 1938. 

“Our police department, we’re hurting right now,” Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said at a news conference Friday.

“I’m hurting. His family is hurting. Please keep us in your prayers.”

Reddins and other officers initially responded to the 1000 block of Lake Street around 9 a.m. and spotted the gunman leaving a Chase Bank, police said.

The suspect, identified as Jerell Thomas, 37, was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree murder and other related charges connected to the line-of-duty slaying, police said. Oak Park Police Department

Officers approached Thomas and ordered him to show them his hands before he fired off shots, striking Reddins.x

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The alleged perp was also shot in the leg when officers returned fire, police said. 

Reddins was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood where he was pronounced dead at 10:10 a.m. 

The accused cop killer was taken to the same hospital, where he’s receiving treatment and remains in custody, police said. He is currently in stable condition.

Reddins and other officers initially responded to the 1000 block of Lake Street around 9 a.m. and spotted the gunman leaving a Chase Bank, police said. WGN 9

Police referred to Thomas as a “habitual criminal” with a long history of arrests that include aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, battery and resisting a police officer. 

Dozens of police and fire firefighters throughout the Chicago area held a police procession along Interstate 290 Saturday afternoon as Reddins’ body was transported from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

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The public safety personnel stood at attention and saluted the ambulance as the fallen cop’s body was carried inside, according to moving photos posted by the police department.  

“Thank you for the outpouring of condolences for Detective Allan Reddins and support for the Oak Park Police Department during this difficult time,” the department posted on Facebook.

A memorial is set up in Reddins’ memory. WGN 9

“Plans for a public memorial are being discussed and will be shared when details become available.”

Thomas is also charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

A court date has yet to be determined due to his hospitalization.

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Bakery sues roofing contractor after fire in McHenry, Illinois

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Bakery sues roofing contractor after fire in McHenry,  Illinois



A bakery is suing a roofing company after a fire destroyed two businesses in McHenry, Illinois, back in January.

According to the Northwest Herald, the Riverside Bake Shop, which has been a community staple for more than 50 years, claims APR Roofing was negligent while performing work on the roof.

While the fire that gutted the bakery at 1309 Riverside Dr. in McHenry on Sunday, Jan. 18, was found to be accidental, the bakery alleges the roofers heated up the wood board under the roof, and this led to the fire, the Northwest Herald reported.

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The bakery sustained more than $1 million in damage.

Court documents confirm the lawsuit, and show the bakery is asking for a jury trial and damages in excess of $50,000.

Pet food and supply store Reeses Barkery and Pawtique was located in the same building and was also gutted in the fire. The pet food store has since reopened on Pearl Street.

In a statement on the store’s Facebook page, the owners of Reeses Barkery and Pawtique said the reopening came thanks to the support they received frm the community.

“Three months ago, everything changed. There are moments you never forget. Walking through the damage. Not knowing what came next. Wondering how you even begin again,” the business said in part. “But then something incredible happened. Our community showed up. You checked on us. You supported us. You walked back through our doors. Because of you, we are still here. Still standing. Still spoiling pets.”

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The George Thompson Insurance Agency and McHenry Dental Associates were also damaged in the fire, according to the McHenry Chamber of Commerce.



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Illinois baseball drops Saturday home game vs Nebraska

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Illinois baseball drops Saturday home game vs Nebraska


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois baseball was unable to clinch the series win on Saturday at home against Nebraska.

After beating the 20th-ranked Cornhuskers 10-5 on Friday night, Nebraska evened the series with a 10-5 win on Saturday.

Illini starter Mitch Dye allowed eight runs, five being earned, in 3.1 innings pitched.

AJ Putty, Kyle Schupmann, Daniel Contreras and J.R. Nelson all drove in runs for Illinois – but the Illini failed to capitalize heavily in the fourth inning after loading the bases with no one ount – coming away with just one run as the Huskers nabbed an inning ending double play.

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Illinois falls to 21-20 overall with the loss, and 9-11 in conference play. The rubber match between these two Big Ten foes is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday.



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Donut shop broken into in Gurnee, Illinois

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Donut shop broken into in Gurnee, Illinois



A donut shot in Gurnee, Illinois, was broken into overnight. 

Gurnee Donuts owners posted on Facebook showing shattered glass in the doorway and on the sidewalk. “We are upset, but good,” owners said in the post. 

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In the post, owners said several other “neighbors were broken into.” 

Owners said nothing of value was taken and the Gurnee Police Department are assisting. 

Gurnee Donuts will remain open for businesses the door is boarded up.



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