Welcome back U of IL students: Six daylight armed robberies since 8/23

Parents:

You pay an obscene amount of money to send your son and/or daughter to the University of Illinois and local thugs are robbing them left and right – during daylight hours!  Add in the crippling student loan debts…  Where else can you pay good money to become the victim of an armed robbery as part of your college experience?

Thank heavens the campus area is a “gun free” zone!

Welcome back to campus, students.

The University of Illinois sent out this “Public Safety Advisory” to students and staff.

Champaign Police Investigate Multiple Robberies

Since August 23, 2013, the department has received six robbery reports; three involved handguns. Detectives are currently investigating these crimes to determine if any are related. The robberies occurred between the hours of 9:30 PM and 3:00 AM and in the following areas:

Green and Neil Streets
Second and Daniel Streets
300 block of E. Springfield Avenue
400 block of S. Second Street
500 block of E. Stoughton
700 block of W. Church Street

The Champaign Police Department is currently searching for a suspect in connection with the armed robbery that occurred today at 12:30 AM, in the 500 block of E. Stoughton Street. A 25 year-old male reported locking up his bicycle at a bicycle rack in the area, when two males approached him. One of the males placed the barrel of a gun to the victim’s forehead and demanded his property. The victim refused, but later turned over cash to the suspect.

The suspect then struck the victim in the head with the gun, which caused him to fall to the ground. Later, a University of Illinois police officer found the victim lying on the ground unconscious and bleeding. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the robbery. At the hospital, the victim reported to police that he was also missing a laptop computer, credit cards and other personal items. The armed suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5’7” tall; no additional descriptions were provided to police.

In response to the robberies, the Champaign and University of Illinois Police Departments have increased patrols in and around the campus area, to include plain clothes police officers. The public is reminded to remain alert, especially when walking alone; it is best to travel in pairs. Refrain from being distracted by cell phones or other electronic devices; two of the victims reported talking on a cell phone or using headphones when they were approached. Always travel in well-lit areas, when possible.