5 arrested, 8 guns seized in raids related to Champaign gun violence

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Five people were arrested on Tuesday as part of a Champaign Police investigation into recent incidents of gun violence. Officers also seized eight guns that police officials said were unlawfully possessed by those arrested.

Officials said search warrants were served at six locations throughout the city early Tuesday morning. A total of five Champaign County law enforcement agencies took part in the raids: the police departments of Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul and the University of Illinois and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office. The County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

“This joint effort represents weeks of work by investigators with the Champaign Police Department and involved more than 80 personnel from five area law enforcement agencies,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “We are thankful to our partners for their assistance as we worked to get these deadly weapons off the streets.”

The five people who were arrested on Tuesday are:

• Ahmerre McClay, 18, of Champaign
• Antoine Jones, 22, of Champaign
• Theodis White, 48, of Champaign
• Corey Butler, 22, of Champaign
• A 17-year-old juvenile subject

Officials said initial charges for all five will relate to unlawful possession of firearms.

Despite these arrests, the Champaign Police Department will continue to investigate the gun violence that led to the search warrants. Anyone who has information related to any act of gun violence is encouraged to call the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545 or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.