INCIDENT:       Armed Robberies

OCCURRED:   November 17, 2012 at approximately 2:00 AM
                      November 17, 2012 at approximately 2:20 AM

LOCATION:     400 block of East Healey Street, Champaign
                      600 block of East Clark Street, Champaign

BRIEF DETAILS:

The Champaign Police Department is investigating two armed robberies that occurred near campus on November 17, 2012.  

ARMED ROBBERY #1

On November 17, at approximately 2:00 AM two victims were walking westbound in the 400 block of East Healey Street, Champaign.  The offender approached them from behind, and demanded their money and cell phones.  The offender took the victims' money and ran northeast from the area.  The offender was armed with a black handgun.  

OFFENDER DESCRIPTION:

The offender is described as a black male, 5'04" tall, 150 pounds, thick build. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head, and had a red bandana partially covering face.

ARMED ROBBERY #2

On November 17, at approximately 2:20 AM two victims were walking eastbound in the 600 block of East Clark Street, Champaign.  The offender approached them from behind and demanded the victims to get on the ground and empty their pockets.  The offender grabbed the victims' property and ran north towards University Avenue.  The offender was armed with a black handgun.

OFFENDER DESCRIPTION:

The offender is described as a black male, 5'07" tall, short hair, and medium build. He was wearing dark clothing and had a scarf partially covering his face.

Information about the race or ethnicity of alleged offenders is provided only to aid detailed descriptions that include physical stature, clothing or unusual characteristics.  Racial descriptions do not, by themselves, offer a meaningful picture of an individual's appearance.

POLICE RESPONSE:

The Champaign and University Police continue to actively work to identify and apprehend the offender(s) in these incidents.  Witnesses to this event or those with information are encouraged to contact the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545.

SAFETY INFORMATION:

Members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to follow these safety tips to decrease their potential for becoming a victim:

-Stay alert - call the police immediately to report suspicious activity and/or if this subject is observed.

-Trust your instincts - if it does not feel right, call for help.

-Avoid walking alone at night. Travel in groups when possible and always walk in well-lit, heavily traveled areas.

-Turn down your electronic devices. Excessive volume or use of electronic devices (iPods, PDAs, cell phones, etc.) can distract you from potential safety hazards.

-If you choose to consume alcohol, please drink moderately - remember your ability to respond is diminished by over-consumption of alcohol.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The University of Illinois, Champaign and Urbana Police Departments are collaborating to provide CrimeReports, a national crime mapping service, with up-to-date crime information. This map includes Clery crimes (homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, arson and motor vehicle theft), as well as other crimes that are of concern to community members.

You can access the campus district crime map and sign up for daily, weekly, or monthly email alerts at www.CrimeReports.com. Access to the crime map is available 24 hours a day through the website or through a CrimeReports iPhone application, available for free download in the Apple iTunes store.

Information also can be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 217-373-TIPS or online at: http://www.champaigncountycrimestoppers.com/

Crimes in progress, reporting of suspicious individuals or any event requiring a police response should be reported to our regional dispatch center by calling 9-1-1.

Crime prevention information can be found on the University of Illinois Division of Public Safety website at http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu/universitypolice/campussafety.html

Updates to crime alerts can also be found at http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu

Information regarding our commitment to continually enhance campus safety can be found at http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu/universitypolice/enhance.html

Jeffrey T. Christensen
Executive Director of Public Safety
Chief of Police
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign