The Champaign Police Department responded to a report of an Armed Robbery near Fifth and Clark Streets at 2:19 a.m. Friday, December 20th. Four victims reported being attacked by four suspects on their way home from a campus bar. One suspect pointed a handgun at the victims while two cell phones were taken from the victims. One victim was hit on the head by one of the unarmed suspects. That victim refused medical treatment.
The suspects fled the area on foot, but were located within approximately 10 minutes due to a joint effort between the Champaign Police and the University of Illinois Police. Both Police Department used canines to assist in locating the suspects near Sixth and White Streets. A handgun and both of the victims’ cell phones were located during the search for the suspects.
Three juveniles (ages 17, 17 and 16) were arrested and taken to the Youth Detention Center. Jason Duckworth, age 18 of Defiance, Ohio was arrested and taken to the Champaign County Jail. He was charged with Armed Robbery and is currently being held on $75,000 bond.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 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).