On April 26 at approximately 3:58 PM, Champaign Police responded to the area of the 900 block of North Fourth Street after receiving a report of an armed subject in the area. Responding officers were provided a clothing description of the armed subject and information suggesting the armed subject was walking into Douglass Park in the direction of Booker T. Washington School. Due to the proximity of the armed subject and to ensure the safety of students and school staff, the Champaign Police Department requested Booker T. Washington School be placed on lockdown.
As responding officers arrived in the area, officers observed two individuals in the park, one of which appeared to match the clothing description of the armed suspect. These individuals were detained by officers and the on-scene investigation led to the arrest of a 20-year-old male from Urbana and the recovery of a handgun.
The investigation is still in its early stages; however, no information currently exists to suggest anyone at the school was in immediate danger. Although an arrest has been made, police continue to investigate this incident. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident should contact police at 217-351-4545.
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.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Media Contact: Deputy Chief Dave Shaffer | 217-403-7030