Media Contact: LaEisha Meaderds | 217-621-4440 | [email protected]
Police continue to ask for the public’s assistance in its investigations into two overnight shootings in the 300 Block of E. Green St. and the 700 Block of S. State St. This morning, Champaign Police officials provided media reports on overnight shootings in which multiple victims were shot. Of the four surviving victims, three have been discharged and one remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
As for the pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle, the driver of that vehicle, who was also fleeing from gunfire, has come forward and been completely cooperative with law enforcement.
We are asking anyone who was present at either of the locations at the time of the shootings to contact Champaign Police at 217-351-4545 or [email protected] to share any observations, cell phone video, or other information that can be helpful in the investigations.
Champaign Police Chief Anthony Cobb expresses his condolences to the Korchev family and other victims injured in these incidents. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and our Champaign-Urbana community at-large. These senseless acts of violence cannot be tolerated. We are actively pursuing all leads and will continue to work with area law enforcement agencies to hold these individuals accountable for their criminal acts of violence.”
We encourage people to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and online to receive all updates of Police investigations. Social media handle: @ChampaignPD; website, www.champaignpolice.com
Please see the following page for the previously released information.
NEWS RELEASE, 7:10 AM
Media Contact: LaEisha Meaderds | 217-621-4440 | [email protected]
This morning, at approximately 12:38 AM, Champaign Police Officers responded to the 300 Block of E. Green St. in Champaign after receiving multiple reports of shots fired.
Four victims were located on-scene with gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to area hospitals, where one died from his injuries and three reportedly sustained non-critical injuries. A fifth individual who was running from the gunfire was struck by a vehicle on E. Green St. and received minor injuries.
Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup has identified the deceased as George Korchev of Mundelein, IL. Mr. Korchev was pronounced dead at 1:02 AM at Carle Foundation Hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest that an argument took place during an apartment party in the 300 Block of E. Green. The argument transitioned outside where a fight broke out and shots were fired. The victims in the incident were not involved in the fight. Mr. Korchev was walking near the area when the shots were fired.
Approximately 30 minutes later, at 1:08 AM, police received another report of gunfire in the 700 Block of S. State St. in Champaign. Upon arrival, officers located a victim who was transported to an area hospital for a non-critical gunshot wound.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the two shooting incidents may be related. Police are seeking a suspect(s) in both shootings as well as the driver involved in the vehicle accident. Investigators are currently processing the scene, reviewing video surveillance and interviewing potential witnesses. Anyone who was at the party or who may have witnessed any of these incidents is urged to contact the Champaign Police Investigations Division at [email protected] or phone 217-351-4545.
Citizens are reminded that information may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers calls are completely anonymous and are routed to a third-party national call center that receives the information, completes a tips information form, and then passes that information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded.
Anonymous tips can be shared: by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or by texting “CCTIP” plus the crime information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for these crimes.
Additional details will be released as the investigations develop.
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