Champaign Man Dead After Shooting Along Railroad Line Near Intersection of Maple and Prairie Streets
Champaign Police were dispatched at 6:12 a.m. to the railroad tracks near Maple Street and Prairie Street for a report of a man deceased near the tracks. On-scene, officers located a 45-year-old male victim from Champaign with a mortal gunshot wound. The man had been deceased for several hours and was beyond lifesaving measures when he was located. Champaign Police immediately notified the Champaign County Coroner and worked to secure the scene and begin an investigation into the circumstances that led to the man’s death.
At this time, the investigation is still underway, and details are currently being established. No 9-1-1 calls related to gunfire were received overnight, so the timing of this incident is still being verified. Champaign Police are asking anyone who has any details to please call 217-351-4545 and share them with investigators. 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.
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. No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
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 cash rewards of $5,000 for tips that lead to an arrest in any homicide case, $2,500 for tips leading to an arrest in a felony crime involving a firearm, and up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for any other crime.