Crime
18-year-old killed in Champaign shooting
Champaign, IL – The Champaign Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of an 18-year-old male on Thursday afternoon.
According to officials, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Cynthia Drive and Sandra Street following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they located the teenager suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately rendered medical aid before the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Initial findings suggest that the victim was seated in a vehicle with several friends when an unknown individual approached and opened fire.
The victim’s friends reportedly fled the scene after the shooting. At this time, the identity and motive of the shooter remain unknown.
Champaign Police officers are actively canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses to piece together the events leading up to the incident.
The Champaign Police Department is urging residents in the area with outdoor security cameras to review their footage and contact investigators if any relevant information is captured.
Authorities are also asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any information about the incident to come forward.
- Champaign Police Department Contact: 217-351-4545
- Champaign County Crime Stoppers: 217-373-8477 (anonymous tips accepted)
This tragic loss marks yet another instance of gun violence affecting the community. Law enforcement officials are committed to pursuing all leads to identify the perpetrator and hold them accountable.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities as the investigation continues.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.