On January 1, 2013 Champaign Police Officers responded a report of a disorderly subject at the McAllister’s Deli on Town Center Boulevard. As officers arrived they observed the subject who then fled from the officers. The subject ran onto the frozen detention pond in front of Menards and fell through the ice.
Officers recognized they were not equipped to affect a rescue themselves and requested Champaign Fire and the Corn Belt Fire Protection District Dive and Rescue Team respond. Officers on scene were communicating with the subject as they were requesting ropes from Menards employees in order to initiate a rescue of the individual. Champaign Fire was on scene and as they were preparing to initiate the rescue, the subject went under the ice and was recovered at approximately 5:04 PM. He was then transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The individual has been identified as Kenneth Brown, 20, of Champaign.
Champaign officers had responded to complaints regarding Mr. Brown being disorderly earlier in the day at McAllister’s Deli and Market Place Mall.
In addition, anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call the Champaign Police Department at (217) 351-4545 or callers can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-8477 (TIPS). Information can also be provided via internet at www.373tips.com or text information anonymously by texting CCTIP plus information to 274637 (CRIMES).