Champaign Police arrested 19-year-old Othar Taylor of Chicago with Attempted Aggravated Robbery.
On Saturday, Sept. 8, at approximately 3 p.m. near the 1300 block of South Neil Street, Taylor approached a victim and demanded money while implying he was carrying a weapon. A Champaign Police officer in the area observed Taylor and engaged in a brief foot pursuit leading to Taylor’s arrest. Taylor was subsequently interviewed and admitted his involvement in this incident, as well as other recent crimes of similar nature. Taylor has been linked to prior aggravated robbery attempts in the Champaign-Urbana area near the University of Illinois Campus.
Taylor is currently in custody at the Champaign County Correctional Center for the offense of Aggravated Robbery with a $100,000 bond.
Champaign Police and the University of Illinois Police Department remind students of SafeWalks and SafeRides. By traveling together, students significantly reduce their chances of being targeted by criminals on campus.
Residents are reminded of these safety tips to reduce chances of becoming a victim to criminal activity:
-Be aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious in the direction you are heading, change your route. For your safety and the possible safety of others, call the Police to notify them of suspicious activity.
-Stay away from poorly lit areas and avoid taking shortcuts down dark alleyways or paths. Choose well-lit, heavily traveled sidewalks.
-Do not use headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking alone at night as this reduces your awareness of your surroundings.
-Carry a personal alarm or whistle that can be used to alert those around you know when something is wrong.
-If you are traveling alone with no other means of transportation, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) provides designated “335 SafeRides” from dusk until 6:00 a.m. Call MTD for more details on boarding and route limitations: 217-265-7433.