On April 25, 2014 at approximately 7:57 p.m., Champaign police and medical personnel responded to the 300 block of E. Green Street after two female and one male runner were injured by small objects, possibly glass.
At the 5k portion of the Illinois Marathon, three runners were struck by small objects, possibly glass; a 21 year-old Charleston woman, a Loda woman, and a 10 year-old male juvenile. Each of the victims suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene. All three runners completed the race.
Police have not positively confirmed the exact location from which the objects were thrown. However, based on the victim’s account and the location of the crime, it is likely that the objects were thrown from the high rise building at 309 E. Green Street, commonly referred to as the “Whopper.”
Though the runners’ injuries were relatively minor, the Department is taking this matter very seriously,” says Police Chief Anthony Cobb. Thousands of runners will be running through our Green Street corridor tomorrow and their safety is our number one priority,” he added.
In response to this incident, Champaign Police detectives are conducting a canvass of the building and surrounding area. Several plain clothes police officers will serve as spotters, as well as use video equipment to view buildings in the area of the marathon on Saturday.
A reward of $1000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this crime. The public is strongly urged to contact law enforcement with information about these cases. Information can be reported to the Champaign Police Department by calling (217) 351-4545 or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-8477 (TIPS). Information can also be sent by anonymous web tip by going to: www.373tips.com or by texting keyword “CCTIP” plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay a $1000 for information leading to an arrest.