INCIDENT:   Armed Robbery

OCCURRED:  December 16, 2012 at approximately 3:05 AM

LOCATION:   4th Street and Chalmers, Champaign

BRIEF DETAILS:

The Champaign Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at the northeast corner of 4th and Chalmers Streets, Champaign.

On Sunday, December 16th at approximately 3:05 AM, an individual was walking in the area of 4th and Chalmers Streets when he was approached by the offender who displayed a small folding knife and asked the victim for his wallet.  The victim gave the offender his wallet and the offender left the area walking east on Chalmers Street.

OFFENDER DESCRIPTIONS:

The offender is described as a white female in her 40's, approximately 5' 8" tall, 200 pounds with curly dark hair.  The offender was last seen wearing a polka dot shirt, blue jeans and was carrying a black backpack.  The offender is described as having an obvious growth or boil on her neck and may be homeless.

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 of Illinois Police Departments are working together to identify and apprehend the offender.  Witnesses to this event or those with information are encouraged to contact the Champaign Police Department at 351-4545 or Crime Stoppers at 373-TIPS (8477).

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 http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu