Crime of the Week
If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to submit a tip via this website, call our TIPS line at 217-373-TIPS, or use our free P3 Tips mobile app. Crime Stoppers doesn't want your name, just your information. Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest and you will always remain 100% anonymous.
NOTE - The date listed in the title is the date of the posting, not the crime.
Disclaimer: The information on this page was provided to Champaign County Crime Stoppers by local law enforcement. The information was valid at the time it was posted but may be subject to change without notice.
Shooting in Northwest Champaign Wounds One
September 28, 2014
STATUS: SOLVEDSOLVED
The Champaign Police Department is currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, in the 500 block of Alabama Avenue, located in northwest Champaign.
At 10:24 p.m., officers responded to multiples calls from citizens reporting shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, officers located a 23 year old Champaign man with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported by ambulance to Carle Foundation Hospital (condition status unknown). Champaign Police Department officers and investigators interviewed witnesses and processed the crime scene.
Detectives are currently following up on all leads and are attempting to locate the suspect(s) responsible for this crime. Your ANONYMOUS tip could make the difference in solving this case!
Criminal Sexual Abuse Incident near UI Campus
September 21, 2014
The Champaign Police Department is seeking information regarding a criminal sexual abuse incident that occurred on Sunday, September 7th, at approximately 4:06 a.m. The incident took place in the area of Second Street and East Green Street in Champaign .
The female victim reported she was walking southbound in the area of Second Street and Green Street, when a black male subject appeared and attempted to start a conversation with her. As they approached a business and some bushes, the male grabbed her, fondled her, and attempted to pull her into the bushes. The victim screamed and pushed him away, and the male fled. Once the victim arrived at her apartment, she called 9-1-1.
The victim described the suspect as a black male, approx. 35 years of age, approx. 5’8” tall and 150 lbs., wearing a long-sleeved black flannel shirt and blue jeans. She also advised that the suspect had a short, scruffy beard.
If you have any information regarding this incident or a possible suspect, please contact Crime Stoppers using the link below.
Fraudulent "Cash Out" Vouchers Used at Gaming Establishments
September 15, 2014
Champaign Police need the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a group of individuals involved in fraudulent activity.
A gaming machines vendor discovered that a group of at least four black females, a white female, and two black males had fraudulently redeemed “cash out” vouchers from four local establishments. The incidents occurred between May 11th and 14th, 2014, in Champaign. The surveillance photos are of three black females and two black males at one of the gaming establishments on May 14th.
If you have any information at all about the identity of the suspects or their whereabouts, contact Crime Stoppers via the link below.
Champaign Homicide
September 08, 2014
The Champaign Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a male subject found deceased on Saturday, August 9th, 2014. The body of the male was found near the railroad tracks behind a commercial building located at 27 E. Springfield Avenue, Champaign.
The male subject was identified as Lonnie D. Sheel, 50 years of age, who was known to be a homeless person in the area.
If you have any information regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Sheel’s death, please contact Crime Stoppers using the link below.
Robbery in Prairie Gardens Parking Lot
August 31, 2014
On Sunday, August 10th, at approximately 5:06 p.m., the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office responded to a robbery in the parking lot at Prairie Gardens, located at 3000 W. Springfield Ave., in Champaign.
The suspect entered the back seat of the victim’s car, made verbal demands, and then stole a purse.
The suspect was described as being a black male, 30 to 40 years of age, approximately 5`10", with a heavy build. The suspect was further described as being either bald or having little hair, and also being clean shaven. The suspect was wearing a white t-shirt and dark colored pants.
The suspect fled on foot, running south toward Springfield Ave. A facial composite of the suspect was made with information from the victim. If you recognize this individual, or know anything about this crime, send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers using the link below.
Robbery of Urbana Subway Restaurant
August 23, 2014
On Friday, August 1st, 2014, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the Subway Sandwich Shop located at 802 W. University in Urbana was robbed by an armed person, who escaped with cash after locking the employees in a freezer.
The suspect had hidden in a dumpster corral outside of the store, and when an employee opened a door, the suspect grabbed the door and forced his way inside the business. He was holding a pistol and directed the employees to open a safe and give him cash. He shut the employees in a freezer before leaving.
The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 6’ tall. He was wearing a black ski mask that covered most of his face, a black jacket, black sweat pants with a white vertical stripe on the outside length of the legs, and was wearing jeans under the sweat pants and black running shoes with light-colored soles. The top of his head was visible, and he appeared to have short hair. He was carrying a pistol in his left hand.
Below is a still photo from a surveillance camera inside the business. If you have any information regarding this crime or the identity of the suspect, please contact Crime Stoppers via the link below.
Residential Burglary and Theft of Firearms in Rantoul
August 16, 2014
The Rantoul Police Department is seeking assistance regarding a residential burglary where multiple firearms were taken.
On Thursday, July 3rd, 2014, unknown subjects entered a residence in the 1300 block of Abram Drive, Rantoul. Officers determined that entry to the residence was gained via the back door. Once inside, the subjects stole a television and multiple firearms. The victim does not have any suspect information.
A witness observed two black males and one white male carrying items leaving the area of the apartment. If you have any information regarding this crime or the identity and location of the suspects, submit an anonymous tip using the button below.
Aggravated Battery in Champaign Convenience Store
August 10, 2014
The Champaign Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying and locating a male and female involved in an aggravated battery that occurred on Sunday, June 1st, at approximately 3:15 a.m. The incident happened at Mach 1, a gas station/convenience store located at 902 West Bloomington Road, Champaign.
The male victim reported that he was inside the business waiting for his female friend to exit the restroom, when he was approached by the unknown male suspect, who was accompanied by a female. The male suspect punched the victim in the mouth one time, knocking out some of the victim’s teeth. The victim fell to the floor, and the male suspect and accompanying female left the business, and may have left in a white vehicle. The victim did not know either the male or female, and advised there was no altercation prior to the attack. The victim was transported to Carle E.R. for treatment of his injuries.
The male suspect is described as a black male, tall, with short hair, a blue Cubs ballcap, a red jacket or hooded zip-front sweatshirt over a gray long-sleeved shirt, and dark colored pants.
The female accompanying the male suspect is described as a black female, dark hair that appears to be pulled back in a bun or “up-do”, a white tank-top, jeans, and brown shoes.
Contact Crime Stoppers if you can help solve this crime.
Theft at Illini Union
August 04, 2014
The University of Illinois Police Department is needing to identify and locate three suspects in a theft of a cell phone at the Illini Union. On Sunday, July 27th, at approximately 10:51 p.m., officers responded to the Illini Union and learned from the victim that she was in the Courtyard Café and had her cell phone and wallet on the table. She briefly left the table, but her friend remained at the table with her belongings. While the friend was sitting at the table, a male subject came up to the table, grabbed the phone and wallet, and then ran out of the Courtyard Café via the east doors.
As the victim was filing the report with officers, a witness approached and advised that he observed the male subject and two females enter the Courtyard Café and sit in a booth at the west end. He thought it was unusual that the male subject had the hood up on his head. He advised that the male and two females sat at a table for about 15 minutes, and then one of the females moved toward the east door of the cafe. The male moved to a table near the victim. The other female stood near the male. The two females appeared to be mouthing words back and forth and communicating with their hands. Both females then exited, using the east door, and the male then grabbed the phone and wallet from the victim’s table and ran out the same east exit that the females had used.
The male suspect is described as a black male, approx. 20 years of age, 6’ tall, with a skinny build. He was wearing a black hooded shirt with the hood up, blue pants, and was carrying a backpack. It should be noted that the male was not wearing a hooded shirt when he initially entered the Illini Union, but removed the shirt from his backpack and put it on prior to entering the Courtyard Café.
Female #1 is a black female, approx. 20 years of age, medium build, long reddish-brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, wearing a white short-sleeved v-neck t-shirt and dark colored sweatpants that appear to have a yellow “Batman” logo on the left front leg.
Female #2 is a black female, possibly in her 20’s, heavier build, black hair in a large bun or ball on her head, also wearing a white short-sleeved v-neck t-shirt and dark colored sweatpants with the word “Hollister” in white lettering on the left front leg.
If you have any information regarding the identities of these subjects submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers using the link below.
Bank Robbery in Champaign
August 03, 2014
Theft of Electronics and Wallet on UI Campus
July 26, 2014
On Saturday, May 10th, at approximately 12:54 p.m., University of Illinois police officers were dispatched to the Undergraduate Library to take theft reports from two victims.
The victims stated that they had been studying in the cubical area and fell asleep. When they awoke, Victim #1 discovered her laptop and wallet were missing, and Victim #2 discovered her iPhone was missing.
Shortly after the theft was reported to police, Victim #2 discovered her iPhone had been sold to a subject. The phone was recovered by officers. The subject who was in possession of the phone stated she bought the phone from an unknown mixed race male for $250 in Champaign.
Victim #1’s wallet was recovered; however, it was missing credit cards and identification items. The victim was contacted by her financial institution and learned there were charges made to her account by the suspect.
Surveillance video in the area captured images of the subject who is believed to have stolen the items. If you have any information regarding the identity and/or location of the suspect, contact Crime Stoppers.
Residential Arson in Urbana
July 20, 2014
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Crime Stoppers using the link below.
Burglary and Use of Stolen Gift Cards
July 14, 2014
The Champaign Police Department is seeking information regarding a burglary and the subsequent use of gift cards taken in the burglary.
On Wednesday, May 28th, at approximately 6:26 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 2500 block of Southwood Drive, Champaign. It was determined that someone had forced entry to the residence by kicking in the front door. A number of drawers in the residence had been ransacked, and food items removed from a freezer in the garage were left on the garage floor. A 55” flat screen television, food items, and Menard’s gift cards were taken.
The stolen Menard’s gift cards were later used at Menards. Surveillance photos of the suspect are shown below. If you have any information regarding the identity of the suspect and/or his whereabouts submit an anonymous tip below.
Suspects Sought in Champaign Homicide
July 04, 2014
One arrest made, but homicide investigation continues. One suspect, Devon D. Craig, 37, of Champaign, has been arrested in connection to the murder of Allen M. Redding. Craig was arrested in Chicago on June 28, 2014, by the Chicago Police and US Marshals on a Champaign County warrant for Armed Habitual Career Criminal. The bond was set at $500,000.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at approximately 5:50 PM, Champaign Police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 1500 Hedge Road. Upon arrival, police found one victim with several gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as Allen M. Redding, 26, of Champaign. Mr. Redding later died as a result of his injuries.
During the investigation, police have identified one of the suspects as Micah J. Hopkins, 30, of Champaign. A Champaign County arrest warrant for Hopkins has been issued with the bond set at $500,000. The warrant is for Aggravated Discharge Firearm – a Class 1 felony and Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon - a Class 2 felony.
Champaign Police have also obtained a Champaign County arrest warrant for Paul E. Craig, 38, of Champaign in connection to this homicide. The warrant is for Armed Habitual Criminal, a Class X felony and Unlawful Possession of Weapon by a Felon, a Class 2 felony. The bond for this warrant has been set at $750,000.
The Champaign Police are continuing to follow up on investigative leads and are working to obtain information for additional charges in this case. Submit any information you might have to Crime Stoppers using the link below, You will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Stolen Credit Cards Used in Mahomet
June 30, 2014
The Champaign Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three subjects in an incident involving theft and deceptive practice.
On Saturday, May 10th, the victim reported that her purse was stolen from her shopping cart while shopping at Aldi’s, located at 701 North Mattis Avenue, Champaign. Her credit cards were subsequently used in Mahomet at the Dollar General Store and Mobil Super Pantry.
Surveillance photos of the subjects are provided. If you have any information regarding the identities and/or location(s) of the subjects, please contact Crime Stoppers via the link below.
Shoplifters at Sephora at Market Place Mall
June 23, 2014
The Champaign Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying five individuals involved in a retail theft incident at Market Place Mall.
On Thursday, June 12th, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a group of five individuals (one male and four females) entered the Sephora store, located at Market Place Mall. Once inside the store, the four females began to select boxes of perfume from the shelves and concealed them inside purses and bags from other stores. Staff members of the store attemped to deter the thefts by speaking with the offenders, but were unable to stop them. The group then left the store through the mall exit, without making any purchases. The value of the stolen items is estimated at approximately $2,400.
Descriptions of the suspects are as follow:
• Offender 1: Black male, bald, thin build, wearing a white t-shirt and blue skinny jeans
• Offender 2: Black female, short with a stocky build, wearing a red shirt and pink sweat pants
• Offender 3: Black female, hair braided around her head like a crown, wearing a red shirt and black pants with a vertical red stripe down each leg
• Offender 4: Black female, wearing a black jacket, zebra print jeans, and red high-top shoes
• Offender 5: Black female, wearing a red hat, white shirt with red imprint, blue jeans, and white shoes
"Quick Change" Thief Strikes Wal-Marts in Urbana & Savoy
June 14, 2014
The Urbana Police Department and Champaign County Sheriff’s Office are seeking assistance with identifying a subject that committed two “quick change” thefts from the Wal-Mart stores in Urbana and Savoy.
On Thursday, June 5th, a subject came to a cash register at the Savoy Wal-Mart and pulled out a large roll of bills. He then began asking for change, making several requests for modifications. When he left, it was discovered that he had taken $650.
A few minutes later, the same subject entered the Urbana Wal-Mart and made a small purchase. He then began asking for several exchanges of cash, and also slipped money out of the stack when the employee was distracted. The male took $1,050 from the clerk.
Video surveillance from both stores confirmed that the same person was involved in both incidents. In both cases, he was seen getting into the passenger side of a white Pontiac G6. In the Savoy Wal-Mart store, he was accompanied by a younger, thinner black male wearing a white shirt. The second subject was the driver of the Pontiac.
The suspect is a black male, approximately 30 to 35 years of age, heavy build, with a small beard. He was wearing a black ballcap and a black t-shirt.
Burglary of Rantoul Construction Building
June 07, 2014
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance regarding a burglary. Sometime between 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4th, and 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5th, unknown suspect(s) entered an unsecured Wendell Wolken Construction building located at 1887 County Road 2400 North in Rantoul Township in Champaign County. During the course of the burglary, unknown suspect(s) stole the following items:
• Four (4) Paslode framing nail guns
• Five (5) Paslode roofing nail guns
• Two (2) DeWalt mitre saws
• One (1) Milwaukee jack hammer
• One (1) laser transit
The total value of the property stolen from the building is $5,750.
If you know anything that could help police solve this crime, send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers using the link below.
Teenager Wounded and Property Damaged in Recent Gun Violence in Champaign
June 01, 2014
The Champaign Police Department is currently investigating two shooting incidents in the area of North State Street. The most recent incident occurred in the 1000 block of North State Street on Friday, May 23rd, at approximately 9:33 p.m. in the area of Eureka and State Streets.
Officers responded to the area after witnesses reported hearing six or seven gunshots. Witnesses also reported hearing the sound of someone screaming. Upon arrival, officers found a 16 year old male who reported being shot by two suspects. The two suspects were described as black males wearing dark colored hooded jackets. The victim was transported to Carle Hospital by ambulance for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Initial information gathered during this shooting investigation indicates that this incident is related to another shooting which occurred on Thursday, May 22nd, at approximately 7:46 p.m. in the 800 block of North State Street. In that incident, officers responded to the area after witnesses reported hearing seven or eight gunshots, and observed a red vehicle and a silver vehicle exchanging gunfire. Two vehicles and two houses were hit by several of the rounds; however, there were no injuries reported. At least one of the homes was occupied at the time of the shooting. The resident was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting.
Champaign police officers will be conducting targeted directed patrols where the offenders and their criminal associates are known to be, in an effort to arrest them and disrupt their ability to conduct any further shootings. “These acts of gun violence are extremely concerning,” states Chief Anthony Cobb. “A juvenile was shot and innocent families were put at risk by this reckless behavior. Champaign police officers will use every legal means available to arrest these offenders and anyone else criminally associated with them.”
Home Invasion and Aggravated Battery in Urbana
May 24, 2014
In the early morning hours on Saturday, May 17, 2014, Urbana police officers responded to an incident involving a prowler who displayed a handgun, and a short time later, to another incident involving a home invasion and aggravated battery. Both incidents occurred in the 400 block of South Busey Avenue in Urbana.
• At 2:30 a.m., a female resident in a house in the 400 block of South Busey Avenue was in the bathroom of the residence and heard a voice coming from the area of the window. She looked out the window and observed a male subject crouched down below the window. She began to open the window to verbally address the male; however, he reached up and tapped the window with a handgun. The female then alerted other residents to the situation, and when they ran outside, they found the male still located under the window. When they confronted him, he fled to the southeast.
• At approximately 4:00 a.m., a female resident in the 400 block of South Busey Avenue (in a different building than mentioned in the above incident) was awakened by a male subject climbing on top of her in her bed. A lengthy struggle ensued, during which the male struck the victim on the head and face several times with a handgun. The victim fought her way out of her bedroom and into a hallway. A roommate who had heard the commotion was able to pull her into another room and lock the door. Entry to the victim’s room was made through an unlocked window.
The description of the suspect in both cases is vague but consistent. He is described as a black male, approximately six feet tall or slightly shorter, wearing a light colored or yellow with white hooded sweatshirt.
• In an earlier additional incident, on Saturday, May 10th, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a female resident in an apartment in the 1000 block of East Kerr Street, Urbana, was awakened by a black male subject in her bedroom. The male, who was armed with a handgun, grabbed her in her bed as she slept. The victim fought with the male, and he struck her and attempted to undress her. The female was able to talk the male out of attacking her further and he left. Entry to the apartment was made through an unlocked window.
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