An Illinois police detective was shot and killed by a violent career criminal Friday — the first on-duty death recorded in the quiet village of Oak Park in 86 years.
Oak Park Police Detective Alan Radins, 40, responded with other officers to a call of an armed man leaving the bank, which ended in a fatal confrontation when the suspect pulled out his gun and opened fire.
Radins, who joined the department in 2019, died after being shot in the left side of his body, According to the Oak Park Police Department.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Jerrel Thomas, was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree murder and other related charges related to killing in the line of duty. police said,
Radins was the first Oak Park officer killed in the line of duty since 1938.
“Our police department, we are hurting right now,” Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said at a news conference Friday.
“I am in pain. His family is feeling sad. Please keep us in your prayers.”
Radins and other officers initially responded to the 1000 block of Lake Street around 9 a.m. and saw the gunman leaving a Chase bank, police said.
Officers approached Thomas and ordered him to show them his hands before they opened fire on Radins.x
The alleged criminal was also shot in the leg when officers responded, police said.
Radins was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood where he was pronounced dead at 10:10 a.m.
Police said the accused policeman killer was taken to the same hospital where he is undergoing treatment and remains in custody. At present his condition is stable.
Police have referred to Thomas as a “habitual offender” with a long history of arrests, including aggravated battery on a police officer, domestic battery, assault and resisting a police officer.
Dozens of police and firefighters from across the Chicago area led a police procession along Interstate 290 Saturday afternoon as Radins’ body was taken from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
As the body of the fallen policeman was taken inside, public security personnel stood at attention and saluted the ambulance. According to touching photos posted by the police department.
“Thank you for your condolences to Detective Alan Radins and for your support of the Oak Park Police Department during this difficult time,” the department posted on Facebook.
“Plans for a public memorial are being discussed and details will be shared when 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 not yet been set due to his hospitalization.
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