The Champaign Police Department is currently investigating two N. State Street shooting incidents. The most recent shooting occurred on Friday, May 23, 2014 at approximately 9:33 p.m. in the area of Eureka and State Streets (1000 N. State Street).
Police responded to the area after witnesses reported hearing six or seven gunshots. Witnesses also reported hearing the sound of someone screaming.
Upon arrival, officers found a 16 year-old juvenile male who reported being shot by two (2) suspects described as being black males wearing dark colored, hooded jackets. One suspect wore a dark blue hooded jacket while the second suspect wore a black hooded jacket. The victim was transported to Carle Hospital by ambulance for medical treatment. His injury is not life threatening.
Initial information gathered during this shooting investigation indicates that this incident is related to another shooting which occurred on May 22, 2014, at approximately 7:46 p.m.in the 800 block of State Street.
In that shooting, Police responded to the area after witnesses reported hearing seven or eight gunshots. Witnesses also reported seeing a red car and a silver car exchanging gunfire. Two vehicles and two houses were hit by several of the rounds; however, there were no injuries. At least one of the homes was occupied at the time of the shooting, and Police believe that resident was not the intended target of the shooting.
Police are currently investigating these incidents and will provide updates as they become available. “These acts of gun violence are extremely concerning,” states Chief Anthony Cobb. “A juvenile was shot and innocent families were put at risk by this reckless behavior. Champaign Police officers will use every legal means available to arrest these offenders and anyone else criminally associated with them.”
The Champaign Police is sharing intelligence information on these incidents with all of the local law enforcement agencies. Champaign Police Officers will be conducting targeted directed patrols where the offenders and their criminal associates are known to be in an effort to arrest them and disrupt their ability to conduct any further shootings.
If anyone has information regarding these incidents, please call the Champaign Police at (217) 351-4545 or Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-8477 (TIPS). Callers can also submit anonymous tips online to Crime Stoppers at www.373tips.com or by texting the following: CCTIP plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the persons responsible for these crimes.