CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)– On April 25th, 2024 around 6:53 PM, an Urbana Patrol Sergeant witnessed a vehicle turn in front of him in a dangerous maneuver at the intersection of Washington and Vine Streets. The vehicle was occupied multiple times. At least one of the occupants appeared to display a firearm and some were wearing masks. The Sergeant located the vehicle in the next block when the vehicle began driving erratically in reverse towards the Sergeant while he was inside of his squad car. The Sergeant observed that the vehicle did not have a license plate. The vehicle turned facing the Sergeant and drove past the Sergeant’s patrol vehicle. The Sergeant followed and kept sight of vehicle from a distance while coordinating a response by other officers.

Multiple Urbana officers then pursued the vehicle. The vehicle continued on and refused to stop for police. It eventually lost control, running off of the road and striking a residential garbage can. The vehicle came to a rest in an empty lot. No one was injured in the crash and the occupants fled the vehicle and officers gave chase on foot, apprehending four of the five occupants. The suspects apprehended were three juveniles who were ultimately transported to the Champaign County Youth Detention Center. One juvenile was arrested for Aggravated
Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, Aggravated Resisting a Police Officer as one officer
sustained an injury, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, and Unlawful Possession of
ammunition.

The two other juveniles were arrested for Aggravated Resisting, and one adult in the vehicle was detained, but later released from police custody. Ammunition was found inside of the vehicle, but no firearm was located and the public is urged to call 911 if one is found on their property.

This investigation is ongoing.

Urbana Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-384-2320. 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-TIPS (217-373- 8477); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.

Community members are reminded that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are routed a to third-party national call center that receives your information, completes a tip information form, and then passes the information to the Contact: Lt. Cory Koker, Urbana Police Department, Criminal Investigations Division
City of Urbana, 217-384-2320, kokerjc@urbanaillinois.us