On Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, at approximately 11:26 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 1200 block of West Beardsley Avenue following several reports of shots fired. Soon thereafter, police were notified an 18-year-old male had arrived at a local hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Upon arrival at the hospital, police discovered a vehicle with damage consistent with being struck by bullets.
On the evening of Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, Champaign Police arrested a 16-year-old Champaign male in connection to the Feb. 3 shooting. The juvenile has been transported to the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center, where he is awaiting court proceedings.
Also in connection to the Feb. 3 shooting, an arrest warrant was issued this morning for 18-year-old Khalid R. Purnell (pictured below) of Champaign for the charges of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Purnell is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and approximately 200 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. Bond on the warrant was set at $500,000.
Champaign Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Purnell, who should be considered armed and dangerous. Any sightings of Purnell or information on his whereabouts should be relayed to police immediately at 217-351-4545. Though these individuals have been identified, police continue to investigate this incident and anyone with additional information should also contact police. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately with police. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Champaign Police reminds citizens that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are routed to a third-party national call center that receives your information, completes a tips information form, and then passes the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded.
Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this crime.