CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A sexual assault was reported to the University of Illinois Police Department Monday morning at 11:31 a.m. Due to the incident’s location, in the 1000 block of W. Stoughton, the matter was referred to the Urbana Police Department. Urbana police officers met with the victim, who disclosed that the assault had occurred immediately prior to her arrival at the police station.
The victim stated that while exiting her apartment building, she observed a male subject loitering by the door. As she passed him, he attacked her from behind, covering her head with a piece of clothing. He then forced her to a more secluded area, and sexually assaulted her. The victim told officers that the suspect was likely captured on a nearby surveillance camera. Upon reviewing the surveillance video, officers obtained images of the suspect, which were shared with area law enforcement agencies.
A University of Illinois police officer identifed the male offender from a records search, which revealed a vehicle associated with the suspect. After broadcasting that description locally, an Urbana police sergeant located the vehicle near Lincoln Square Mall at approximately 1:30 p.m. and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop for several blocks before abandoning the vehicle and then ran on foot near Oregon and Cedar Streets. Following a foot pursuit, two Urbana police officers apprehended the driver in a backyard in the 200 block of West Nevada at 1:48 p.m. The individual, later identified as 28-year-old Decatur resident Lamar D. Phillips, fought with officers until a University of Illinois police officer tased Phillips. Phillips was taken into custody and ultimately transported to the Champaign County Satellite Jail on preliminary charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault, fleeing and eluding, and resisting a peace officer. He was remanded to the custody of correctional staff.
Urbana Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-384-2320. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (217-373-8477); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.