A teenager from Champaign was arrested for his involvement in a shooting that took place in February. According to a March 20 statement, Champaign Police responded to reports of gunfire on Stratford Drive at 10:53 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2026. While en route, officers received another call from an injured victim and located him in the 1600 block of Sangamon Drive. The victim, a 26-year-old man, had multiple potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers and the Champaign Fire Department provided medical assistance before he was transported to a hospital, where he continues to recover.
The investigation found that the victim was shot by a 17-year-old while in the 900 block of Stratford Drive. After being shot, the victim fled the area by vehicle and called for help. On March 19, police served a search warrant in the 400 block of Briar Lane and arrested the 17-year-old on charges including Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Attempted Murder. A second juvenile, aged 16 and also from Champaign, was arrested at the scene for unlawful possession of ammunition. Two firearms were recovered as evidence.
Due to their ages, authorities have released limited information about those arrested.
Police say that despite these arrests, the investigation is ongoing and encourage anyone with information to contact them at 217-351-4545 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), online at 373tips.com, or via the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Officials remind residents that all tips submitted to Crime Stoppers are completely anonymous; calls are routed through a third-party national call center without caller ID tracking or recorded conversations. All individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
