Category: Police Department Press Releases

Homicide Investigation – 800 Block of North Willis Avenue

On July 30, 2021, at approximately 10:44 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 800 Block of North Willis Drive for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers were led into a private residence where they located a 20-year-old male suffering from four gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance where […]


Champaign Police, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, and Champaign County Coroner’s Office Investigating Homicide

On Thursday, July 29, at approximately 7:36 p.m., Champaign Police were notified of a missing 14-year-old juvenile from the 900 block of Harvard Street, Champaign. Champaign Police contacted the father of the reported missing juvenile, who informed police the juvenile left the family’s residence at approximately 5 p.m. Attempts were made to contact the missing […]


Champaign Deputy Chief of Police David Shaffer Named Granby, Colorado, Chief of Police

The Town of Granby, Colorado, Board of Trustees has confirmed the hire and announced Champaign Deputy Chief of Police David Shaffer as its new Chief of Police. Shaffer’s final day with the City of Champaign Police Department will be Aug. 8, 2021. “It’s been an honor to serve the City of Champaign and our community, […]


Champaign Police, Champaign Unit 4 School District Announce Temporary Suspension of the School Resource Officer Program

With the upcoming school year set to begin Aug. 19, the Champaign Police Department and Champaign Unit 4 Schools are announcing the temporary suspension of the School Resource Officer Program for the 2021-22 school year due to police staffing shortages. Champaign Police will continue to proactively monitor school safety and maintain a presence throughout the […]


Homicide Investigation – 3000 Block of Edward Hoffman Drive

On July 23, 2021, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 3000 Block of Edward Hoffman Drive for the report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old male suffering from a single life-threatening gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance where he succumbed to […]


City Manager to Appoint Matthew Henson to Serve as Interim Chief of Police

City Manager Dorothy Ann David will appoint Champaign Deputy Police Chief Matthew Henson to serve as Interim Chief of Police effective August 6, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Henson will serve as Interim Chief upon the departure of Chief Anthony Cobb until a new Chief is appointed. “Deputy Chief Henson has served our City well for […]


The Honorary Christopher Oberheim Avenue Street Sign to be Unveiled Tuesday, July 27, in Public Ceremony

On Tuesday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m., the City of Champaign invites the community to attend the unveiling of the street sign that designates University Avenue, between Neil Street and Chestnut Street, as Honorary Christopher Oberheim Avenue. Officer Oberheim was tragically killed in the line of duty on May 19, 2021, and the Champaign City […]


Shooting Investigation – 300 Block of West Bradley Avenue

On July 9, 2021, at approximately 2:53 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 300 block of West Bradley Avenue for the report of a fight, which escalated into a shots fired call. Upon arrival, officers located evidence of shots fired in the 300 block of West Bradley Avenue and were soon notified a 29-year-old Champaign […]


Arrest Made in July 2, 2021 Shooting Investigation

On July 2, 2021, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Champaign Police responded to the 900 block of Francis Drive for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an 18-year-old male who was treated for multiple non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his left leg. Police investigation identified the suspect in the shooting as Xavier Gary, 29, […]