Media Contact: Dave Shaffer | 217-403-7030 | [email protected]
On April 11, 2016 at approximately 2:55 PM, Champaign Police responded to an area hospital to meet with the victim of an armed robbery. According to information provided to officers, the victim reportedly responded to a Craigslist ad and went to an address in the 400 block of W. Maple St. in Champaign to conduct the transaction.
Champaign Police officers learned from the victim that at arrival, the victim was confronted by a suspect in possession of a handgun. The suspect demanded the victim’s money and showed the handgun magazine to confirm the weapon was real and loaded. The victim provided the suspect with his money, and the suspect struck the victim in the face with the gun, causing injury. The victim fled and was treated and released at an area hospital.
Later that evening, the investigation led Police to obtain and execute a court authorized search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of W. Maple St. During the search of the residence, Detectives located several items of evidence to include a loaded nine millimeter handgun.
As a result, Champaign Police Detectives arrested 36-year-old Luther R. Kimes of Champaign. Kimes was transported to the Champaign County Jail and is pending arraignment on preliminary charges of Armed Robbery.
Although an arrest has been made, this investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Champaign Police Department Investigations Division at 217-351-4545.
Anonymous tips can also be shared through Crime Stoppers, by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or by texting “CCTIP” plus the crime information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of persons responsible for a crime.
Citizens are reminded that the Champaign Police Department lobby is open 24 hours and is made available for those that desire a safe, secure location to arrange a sales transaction. For safety information regarding Craigslist and personal safety online, visit: www.craigslist.org/about/safety