Chambana Sun

Champaign Police have made an arrest in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on February 8, 2024, in the 100 block of N. Market Street. According to the initial investigation, a 45-year-old man from Broadlands sustained a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso. The victim was approached by Fidele Tshimanga, a 24-year-old resident of Urbana, who produced a firearm and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Officers from the Champaign Police Department quickly arrived at the scene and provided medical aid to the injured man with assistance from the Champaign Fire Department. The victim was then transported to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition. Meanwhile, additional officers apprehended Tshimanga for his role in the incident. He was subsequently taken to the Champaign County Correctional Facility and is currently being held on initial charges, including Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. A firearm was also recovered during the investigation.

While an arrest has been made, the investigation is still ongoing. Law enforcement officers are actively canvassing the surrounding area for potential witnesses and video footage that could assist in the investigation. The Champaign Police Department is urging residents and businesses in the vicinity with exterior surveillance camera systems to contact them if they have any relevant information.

The Champaign Police Department expressed gratitude to the Champaign County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in the investigation. They also encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to call 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made to share information privately. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers through various channels, including phone (217-373-8477), online at 373tips.com, or via the "P3 Tips" mobile app.

It is important to note that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are directed to a third-party national call center, which receives the information and passes it on to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized, and conversations are not recorded.

As the investigation progresses, the Champaign Police Department may provide future updates as they become available. In the meantime, all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.