Illinois
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.
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.
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.
Officers approached Thomas and ordered him to show them his hands before he fired off shots, striking Reddins.x
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Illinois
Breakfast with Baby diaper drive held in Carol Stream
Illinois
Illinois State Police release video of deadly shooting involving ISP troopers on South Side
CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois State Police have released videos showing a deadly shooting involving state troopers last month in Chicago.
The video in the player above may be difficult to watch.
The shooting happened around 10:50 p.m. April 15 in the 6500-block of South Champlain Avenue in the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Officers got a call for a domestic battery from a passenger in a vehicle on I-57.
That passenger led the officers to find her boyfriend, 24-year-old Jalen Carpenter, in the 6500-block of South Champlain Avenue.
That’s where the newly released video picks up.
ABC7 froze the video at the moment it appears Carpenter fires a weapon during a scuffle with the officers.
No one was hit by that bullet, but seconds later, the officers return fire, killing Carpenter, officials said.
The officers are still on administrative status while the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation investigates the case.
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Illinois
Illinois, Brad Underwood agree to new contract terms
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois and coach Brad Underwood have agreed to new financial terms on his current six-year contract that runs through 2031-32, and the deal could extend through 2035-36 based on the team’s performance over the next four seasons.
Athletic director Josh Whitman made the announcement Thursday, about six weeks after the Illini’s season ended with the program’s first NCAA Final Four appearance in 21 years. Contract terms were not announced. The agreement requires approval of university trustees.
“Thanks to Brad Underwood’s tireless leadership and relentless pursuit of championships, our men’s basketball program has established itself as one of the nation’s premier programs while rewriting much of our record book,” Whitman said. “He has revitalized a proud fan base and elevated our program to new heights while competing in the most dynamic, high-stakes environment in college sports history.”
The Illini won the fourth-most games in program history with an overall record of 29-8 and they finished in a three-way tie for second in the Big Ten at 15-5. They won each of their first four NCAA Tournament games by double digits before losing 71-62 to UConn in the national semifinals.
“Illinois is a special place, and we’re coming off a special year with a trip to the Final Four,” Underwood said. “But we know there is still more to achieve. Our focus remains competing at the highest level in pursuit of a national championship. I am more motivated than ever to help bring that title home to the University of Illinois.”
Underwood is 193-110 in nine seasons at Illinois with six straight NCAA appearances.
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