URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Urbana police are investigating a violent armed robbery that took place in the early morning hours of May 10 on the 600 block of Kerr Avenue. According to police, two individuals were asleep inside a parked vehicle when they were approached by two men wearing black clothing and face masks. The suspects brandished a firearm and demanded the victims’ wallets before fleeing the scene with one victim’s belongings.
During the incident, one of the victims pursued one of the suspects on foot. During the chase, the suspect fired two rounds, one of which struck a nearby parked vehicle. The victim was not hit by gunfire but was struck in the head with the butt of a handgun, sustaining injuries that required transport to Carle Hospital for medical care. Police said the victim’s injuries are non-life-threatening.
The suspects are believed to have fled the area in a black sedan, and no further identifying information is currently available. Authorities are urging residents in the area to review any surveillance footage, including doorbell cameras, from the time of the incident to help identify the suspects.
Urbana police emphasized that anyone with information about the robbery or the suspects should contact the department at 217-384-2320. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may submit tips through Champaign County Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-TIPS, online at 373tips.com, or through the “P3 Tips” mobile app. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for tips leading to the arrest of anyone involved in a felony crime with a firearm, and up to $1,000 for tips resulting in other arrests.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and said they will release additional information as it becomes available. Police also reminded the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly in the area surrounding Kerr Avenue.