Bradley Police Sgt. The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office said Marlene Reitmanick and her partner responded to a call Wednesday night about barking dogs in an abandoned car in the parking lot at the Comfort Inn on Route 50. They went to the hotel room where the car’s owner was staying, when police say people inside the room started attacking the two officers, shooting them.
Reitmanick, 49, was killed, and his partner, Tyler Bailey, 27, was badly injured. Bailey was taken to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, where he underwent surgery for severe head injuries, and remained in very serious condition Thursday at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
The sheriff’s office is now offering a $25,000 bounty for information that led to Bourbonnais’ 25-year-old Darius D. Sullivan could be arrested.
Police said Sullivan should be considered armed and dangerous and not confronted.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Sullivan and Bradley’s 26-year-old Xandria Harris, according to the Illinois State Police. Harris is believed to have been in the room with Sullivan.
Anyone with information about suspects is urged to call the Illinois State Police hotline at 815-698-2315. Tipsters can also stay anonymous by calling that number or Crimestoppers at (815) 93-CRIME.
“Please keep the officers, their families and the Bradley Police Department in your thoughts and prayers,” the sheriff’s office said.
The Kankakee County community is now coming together to grieve and find strength in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy.
Jackie Hammond said, “My son is a Bradley police officer and he was due to shift last night, and he took his last day off.” “So we’re grateful, but again, it’s bitter.”
The incident appears to have been isolated, and police believe there is no further threat to the community.
look | Community honor of Bradley Police Sergeant killed in the line of duty
Friends and community members mourned the loss as local residents hung blue ribbons and signs around town to thank the sergeant for his sacrifice. Purple bunting decorated Bradley Police Station as the flag outside was flown at half-mast.
“Just to remember the best cop ever with Bradley PD,” said Jacqueline Jackson holding the homemade sign.
Hundreds of people stood in silence to honor Ritmann as the procession went through the communities of Bradley, Kankaki and Bourbonnais.
“We don’t think much about taking care of these people until that happens, but I’m just happy to see the voting and support,” Doug Brown said.
Carol Chapman said, “The people who are here to protect us are taken from us, and that’s not right.”
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Rittmanic first became an officer with the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department in 2000. She had been with the Bradley Police Department for 14 years, and her niece said she was just five years away from retirement. He is survived by wife Lynette Stuya.
The last time a law enforcement officer died in the line of duty in Kankaki County was in 1996.
“We are a community and we are here for each other through good and bad, but tragedy brings it out of everyone,” Chapman said.
Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis issued a statement on the incident on Facebook, saying:
Our hearts are heavy and full of sorrow for our neighboring city and their police department. On behalf of the City of Kankakee, we pray for the family, friends and co-workers of the fallen Bradley Police Officer. We also continue to pray for the recovery of the other Bradley officer.
“At this difficult time for our region, we ask God to provide the medical and comfort needed for our communities, all law enforcement brothers and sisters, and first responders during this difficult time.
“As Mayor of the City of Kankakee, I pledge all our support and assistance in any way that the Village of Bradley may need or request.”
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