On June 24, 2020, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 1100 block of Hickory Street for a reported shooting. A short time later, police were notified a 73-year-old male had arrived at a local hospital with a serious gunshot wound to his abdomen. The victim was taken into surgery.
The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was on the north side of Beardsley Park when a known acquaintance fired a single round into his abdomen and then fled the scene. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation; however, this is not believed to be a random act of violence.
It is believed the suspect, who was traveling on a bicycle, is a black male, bald, and is most likely in his 50s or 60s.
Any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance camera systems is encouraged to contact the police department. It is believed video footage may be of investigative assistance.
The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to please contact police at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. 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.