On Dec. 28, 2021, at approximately 7:24 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 1200 block of Redwood Drive for reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male inside of a vehicle with a gunshot wound to his back. On scene, officers applied a chest seal on the victim and continued to render medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
The preliminary investigation indicates the victim and at least two friends were seated inside a motor vehicle behind Bluestar 2 Convenience Store. As they began to leave, an unknown offender fired upon the vehicle, striking the victim – seated in the rear passenger seat – just below the shoulder blade.
At approximately 7:41 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the area of Mattis Avenue near Springfield Avenue and John Street for the report of shots fired. Shortly after, police were notified a 19-year-old male arrived at a local hospital by personal transport with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head. The victim remains in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation indicates the victim and another individual were driving south in the 1000 block of Holiday Drive when a northbound car opened fire and the victim was struck. Although a shooting scene was not initially located, a thorough police canvass located shell casings and other evidence along Holiday Drive stretching from William Street to Stonegate Drive. Initial information provided to police indicates the shooting was drug related.
Any resident or business in the nearby areas 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 investigations are ongoing. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
It is not currently known if the shootings are related or not.
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 either crime.