On September 15, 2022, at approximately 8:18 p.m., Champaign Police were dispatched to the 500 block of Elm Street for a report of a shooting with injury. Upon arrival, officers found a 42-year-old Champaign man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the hand. Responding officers immediately rendered medical aid until an ambulance could arrive. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was involved in an argument with his roommate, 35-year-old David Herrera, when the argument escalated, and a firearm was discharged. Herrera fled the residence on foot before being detained by officers a short distance from the scene and arrested on initial charges including Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Aggravated Domestic Battery. At the time of his arrest, a firearm was located on his person.
Even though an arrest has been made, the investigation remains ongoing. 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. 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.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.