Two Champaign Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technician Hospitalized with Stabbing Injuries
Champaign Police are investigating a stabbing incident that injured three first responders. At 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, an individual called 9-1-1 and reported they were experiencing mental health concerns at a location near Neil Street and Buena Vista Drive. First responders, including Champaign Fire and Arrow Ambulance were dispatched to assist and transport the subject to the hospital. At 9:52 p.m., the personnel on-scene called out an immediate need for assistance over the radio, indicating an in-progress stabbing at their location. Champaign Police rushed to the scene, where they quickly located two Champaign firefighters and a paramedic with serious stab wounds. Additionally, a responding medical unit was restraining the subject at the time of police arrival.
Officers worked quickly to secure the man, identified as 23-year-old Trevor Lewis of Champaign, and ensure he was safely detained. Additional medical units worked quickly to render medical aid in the field until the injured first responders could be transported to an area hospital. The firefighters remain hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The EMT was treated and released. Lewis was also found to be bleeding from a laceration on his hand, causing him to also be transported to the hospital for medical treatment. He was subsequently arrested on initial charges including three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery, and one count of resisting arrest.
Even though an arrest has been made, this investigation remains ongoing. 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 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.
Residents 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.