CHICAGO (CBS) — The man accused of shooting and killing of Oak Park Police Department Detective Allan Reddins He made his first court appearance Thursday after a judge ordered him jailed while he awaits trial.
Jerel Thomas, 37, is being held on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
He was arrested immediately after the shooting but did not make his first court appearance until Thursday because he was hospitalized after being shot by fellow Reddins officers.
During Thomas’ court appearance, Cook County prosecutors provided new details about what they say Thomas did leading up to the shooting, and why it should never have happened. Reddins was working the streets alone that day – the Friday after Thanksgiving – due to a staffing shortage at the Oak Park Police Department.
Dozens of officers and other first responders filled a courtroom in Maywood’s basement — lining the walls and wrapping behind court staff — as Thomas appeared in court.
Judge Elizabeth Ciaccia-Lezza explained the show of support for Reddins, saying, “It may not be blood, but it’s family.”
Thomas, 37, was brought to court in a wheelchair, with a bandage around his head and only a sock on his right foot, after being shot in the leg by responding officers.
The prosecutor outlined their case — starting with the initial call about an armed person leaving Chase Bank on Lake Street.
“The perpetrator stood there for at least fifteen minutes. He was approached by the branch manager of the Chase branch, who thought the perpetrator was behaving strangely. Video shows the perpetrator pulling a gun from his waistband and walking outside. said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Eugene Wood.
Prosecutors said Reddins and a responding sergeant found Thomas several blocks away, but the situation quickly escalated.
“Police body-worn camera footage captured the perpetrator reaching inside his unzipped jacket. Sergeant MR and Detective Inspector Allan Reddins told the suspect to keep his hands up and not reach,” Wood said. “A body-worn camera recorded the sound of three gunshots, then a pause of about a second and then three more gunshots.”
Prosecutors said Thomas should not have had a gun because of his prior criminal history, including battery on an officer; but explained that he had stolen it from his sister’s house earlier that week, a theft that she reported to the Chicago Police Department.
“The perpetrator and the perpetrator’s father got into an argument that turned physical. The perpetrator entered his sister’s bedroom, unloaded her gun safe, retrieved a loaded .40-caliber handgun and left the residence,” Wood said.
Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil for Reddins is planned outside the Oak Park Village Hall on Friday at 5:30 p.m. His funeral is scheduled for next week.
