Media Contact: Sgt. Dennis Baltzell, 217-403-6946, [email protected]
On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at approximately 7:39 PM, Champaign Police Officers responded to the 1100 block of W. Bradley Ave. after receiving multiple reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers located evidence of a vehicle on scene having been struck by bullets and learned that the vehicle was occupied by three individuals at the time of the shooting.
Officers interviewed victims and witnesses on scene who were able to provide the identity of the offenders. At approximately 11:08 PM in the 1100 Block of N. James St, Champaign Police Officers located and arrested four individuals in connection with this shooting.
18-year-old Brandon J. Smith was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and taken to the Champaign County Jail. Three male juveniles—two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old—were arrested on charges of Mob Action and Robbery, with the 17-year-old also charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. The three juveniles were taken to the Youth Detention Center.
Police continue to investigate this incident and encourage anyone with information to contact the Champaign Police Department Investigations Division at 217-351-4545.
Citizens are reminded that information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers calls are routed to a third-party national call center that receives the information, completes a tips information form, and passes the tip to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded.
Anonymous tips can be shared by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or by texting “CCTIP” plus the crime information to 274637 (CRIMES).