CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A third teenager has been arrested in connection with a July 15 shooting in Champaign that left a 14-year-old boy with serious injuries, authorities announced Thursday.
Champaign Police responded at 5:01 p.m. to the 1100 block of North Third Street following reports of a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, officers found the 14-year-old victim suffering from multiple potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds in the outdoor common area of an apartment complex.
Emergency medical aid was administered on scene by Champaign officers and the Champaign Fire Department, and the teen was transported to a local hospital. Police said he has since been released and is continuing to recover.
According to investigators, the victim was approached by multiple individuals who opened fire before fleeing the scene. Officers located evidence of gunfire, including multiple shell casings and damage to a nearby building. Two firearms were recovered during the initial investigation.
Two suspects — a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from Champaign — were arrested on the night of the shooting. On July 31, police arrested a third suspect, a 17-year-old male from Champaign, also believed to be involved. Due to the suspects’ ages, their names have not been released.
The Champaign Police Department expressed gratitude to the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force for assisting in the third arrest.
Although three individuals are now in custody, police say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Champaign Police at 217-351-4545.
Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), online at 373tips.com, or through the P3 Tips mobile app. Officials stress that all tips to Crime Stoppers are completely anonymous.