On October 31, 2024, at approximately 3:05 p.m., Champaign Police conducted a traffic stop near the 2000 block of N. Market Street after observing an individual armed with a weapon entering a vehicle. Upon initiating the stop, the vehicle attempted to evade the officers by speeding away. Police pursued the vehicle until it stopped at the 1100 block of N. Sixth Street because of a mechanical failure. All four occupants of the vehicle then exited and fled on foot.
After the individuals attempted to escape, officers from multiple local law enforcement agencies collaborated to locate and apprehend three of the individuals successfully. The arrested individuals are William Laws, 25, from Champaign; Anthony Wilkins, 29, from Rantoul; and Trevoy Fonville, 28, also from Champaign. They are currently being held at the Champaign County Correctional Facility. Additionally, three unlawfully possessed firearms were recovered during this incident.
Due to the incident’s closeness to Booker T. Washington STEM Academy, Champaign Police notified school officials at 3:20 p.m. As a precautionary measure, the school promptly implemented a soft lockdown. This lockdown concluded at 3:55 p.m., but it resulted in a delayed release of students.
Even though arrests have been made, this remains an ongoing investigation. Officers continue to canvass the surrounding area for witnesses and video footage that may be of investigative assistance. Any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance camera systems is encouraged to notify the police department. Future updates may be provided as they become available. Champaign Police wish to thank the Urbana and University of Illinois Police Departments and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 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.