Crime Stoppers seeking tips on pair of Champaign shootings

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Police Department is still investigating two shootings that happened a week ago . They’re now asking for help through Crime Stoppers in solving the case.

The shootings happened Saturday, July 20, and they are believed to have been separate incidents. Two people were shot and a third was hurt trying to run away from the gunman.

The first shooting happened near Main and Freemont Streets in downtown Champaign. Officers on patrol at 1:19 a.m. heard gunshots being fired in that area; when they responded, the officers found a woman with a wound to her leg. It was initially believed to be a gunshot wound, but investigators later determined that the wound came from the woman falling to the ground as shots were fired. A nearby vehicle was damaged by the gunfire.

Investigators determined that the person who fired the shots was a Black man who was wearing a mask and a gray hoodie. Photos of the suspect were not available.

The second shooting happened on Colleen Drive almost 90 minutes later. Two teenagers, ages 16 and 19, were driving west when an unknown subject shot at them.

Both were hit, drove away and called 911 before stopping for help at Fire Station 3 on Bradley Avenue. They were then taken to the hospital in serious condition, but both are recovering at this time.

Police are asking for any piece of information about the shootings or video footage that may have captured the shots being fired or suspects nearby. Anyone who has such information is asked to submit a tip to Champaign County Crime Stoppers.

Tips can be submitted by calling 217-373-8477, visiting Crime Stoppers’ website or using the P3 Tips app. All tips to Crime Stoppers are both anonymous and eligible for a cash reward should the tip result in an arrest.

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