Traffic stop leads to arrest and recovery of a firearm in Urbana Township

A traffic stop on Monday afternoon led to the arrest of a Champaign man and the recovery of a firearm with a defaced serial number, according to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.

Chambana TodayCanvaProSuspect apprehended in Urbana Township after fleeing from the police with a handgun.

URBANA TOWNSHIP (Chambana Today) – A traffic stop on Monday afternoon led to the arrest of a Champaign man and the recovery of a firearm with a defaced serial number, according to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 1:40 p.m. on December 9, 2024, a deputy attempted to stop a beige 2006 Lexus SUV near Dodson Drive and Illinois Street for a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Dequan A. Clark, 33, of Champaign, attempted to evade the deputy, but the vehicle struck a curb and became disabled during a U-turn in the roadway.

Clark exited the vehicle holding a firearm and fled on foot. Despite multiple commands from the deputy to drop the weapon, Clark continued to flee. During the pursuit, he discarded the firearm in a bush before being apprehended without further incident. Deputies recovered a 9mm handgun with a defaced serial number and an extended magazine. Clark was taken to the Champaign County Jail and faces multiple charges, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Possession of a Defaced Firearm
Resisting a Peace Officer
No Valid Driver’s License
Multiple traffic offenses

The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information about this incident to contact their Investigations Division at 217-384-1213 or submit anonymous tips through Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (8477), online at 373tips.com, or via the P3 Tips mobile app.