CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Two shootings, about 24 hours apart, have left three people hurt in Champaign.
On Saturday evening, police in Champaign discovered damaged property and signs of gunfire near Clock and Giboney Streets. At approximately the same time, a 21-year-old man arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds in his arm and torso.
On Sunday evening, officers were called to the area near Burr Oak Court and North Third Street, where they found a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old who had been shot. The younger individual was severely injured.
“Our heart goes out to anyone who has to go through this kind of situation,” expressed Champaign Police Lieutenant Aaron Lack. “[It’s] extremely serious, incredibly sad, and it simply should not be happening.”
Lack said a group of people were gathered prior to when gunshots rang out Sunday night. He said people left the scene before officers got there, leaving them to try and figure out what happened.
“We’re definitely pushing to paint the whole story of what happened — all the details, as much as possible,” Lack said. “That includes suspects, the witnesses, the story [and] the background.”
Monday morning, officers were still canvassing the area of the previous night’s violence, which was near where a fatal shooting happened back in March.
“A lot of this stems from just conflict that erupts pretty quickly,” Lack said. “[I] would say reach out, try to avoid the conflict, try to get the police involved as quick as possible.”
No arrests have been made in either shooting, and police continue to investigate. While officers continue piecing things together, Lack said the community plays a vital role in bringing justice to victims families and friends.
“Our department is working very hard to try and get some answers in this investigation, but we definitely always seek the help of people in the community,” Lack said. “Video statements, information that people have, we’d welcome. Please get it to us.”
Anyone who has an eyewitness account or security cameras on their home in the area is asked to contact the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately.
Alternatively, people wanting to remain anonymous can submit a tip to Champaign County Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477. All tips to Crime Stoppers are both anonymous and will be rewarded with $2,500 in cases involving firearms if the tip leads to an arrest.
