On August 2, 2021, at approximately 12:26 a.m., Champaign Police responded to the 0-100 block of East Beardsley Avenue for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a 58-year-old female suffering from five gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was in her home when there was a knock on the front door. As the victim approached, calling out ‘who is it?’, the unknown offender(s) opened fire through the door, striking the victim. Several rounds of gunfire by the offender(s) ensued, and additional damage to property was discovered to nearby residences and vehicles. Officers recovered 75 shell casings from the scene.
As officers were responding to the shooting, a black Dodge Durango crashed in the area of Logan Street and Neil Street. Officers responded to the crash and discovered a firearm in plain view of the vehicle with the magazine empty and the slide locked to the rear. A live round of ammunition and spent shell casing were also located on the ground nearby the vehicle. The vehicle was determined to be stolen and is currently being processed by police. The occupants fled by the time officers arrived.
Any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance camera systems is encouraged to notify the police department. It is believed video footage may be of investigative assistance. 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.