Officers responded to Bradley’s II, located at 1906 W. Bradley Avenue on September 12, 2013 at 1:48 AM, for a report of a large gas leak.
Employees reported hearing a “strange sound” coming from outside the beer garden before discovering the gas leak. They then called 911 and immediately evacuated patrons from the building. Police confirmed that the gas main appeared to have been tampered with.
According to the Champaign Fire Department, several first responders arrived on scene and evacuated approximately 150 residents from the Parkland Point Apartments, as a precautionary measure due to the close proximity of the leak. Ameren representatives arrived on scene to shut off the gas line and conduct repairs. The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District provided transportation services to the evacuated residents.
Based on information obtained from witnesses, police are conducting an investigation into this case. Reports suggest that two disgruntled males, who were removed from the business earlier, after employees received complaints from other patrons about the subjects’ disorderly conduct, may have been involved in the crime.
The public is urged to contact law enforcement with any information. Information can be reported to the Champaign Police Department by calling (217) 351-4545, or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-8477 (TIPS). Information can also be sent by anonymous web tip by going to: www.373tips.com or by texting keyword “CCTIP” plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest.