On July 2, 2021, at approximately 3 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 700 block of Hickory Street for a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, officers were met by a large crowd and discovered a 17-year-old male suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds to his chest and officers immediately began providing medical aid. The individual was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
At approximately 3:04 p.m., police began receiving notifications that four additional gunshot victims were arriving at local area hospitals as well as Champaign Fire Station 3. Among the victims include three males and one pregnant female who are all believed to be in stable condition. Police have confirmed five total victims related to the incident, which includes the deceased.
The preliminary investigation indicates there was a large gathering of more than 100 individuals at American Legion. At one point during the gathering, the suspect(s) approached the 17-year-old male in the parking lot and fatally wounded him. Gunfire ensued, leading to multiple victims. Police approximate more than 50 rounds of gunfire was exchanged.
Police are continuing to process the scene and are interviewing witnesses. No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information 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.
Citizens are reminded 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.