Chambana Sun

Champaign Police are investigating a stabbing that injured three first responders on Thursday night. At 9:40 p.m. on September 4, a call was made to 9-1-1 from an individual reporting mental health concerns near Neil Street and Buena Vista Drive. First responders from Champaign Fire and Arrow Ambulance were dispatched to assist and transport the person to the hospital.

At 9:52 p.m., emergency personnel requested immediate assistance over the radio, reporting an in-progress stabbing at their location. When police arrived, they found two Champaign firefighters and a paramedic with serious stab wounds. A medical unit on scene was restraining the subject at the time of police arrival.

Officers secured the man, identified as 23-year-old Trevor Lewis of Champaign, and detained him safely. Additional medical units provided aid until the injured first responders could be taken to a local hospital. The firefighters remain hospitalized in serious but stable condition; the EMT was treated and released. Lewis had a laceration on his hand and was also transported for medical treatment before being arrested on initial charges of three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery, and one count of resisting arrest.

The investigation is ongoing as officers continue searching for witnesses or video footage that may help their inquiry. Residents or businesses with exterior surveillance cameras in the area are encouraged to contact police.

"Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app."

"Residents are reminded that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are routed to a third-party national call center that receives your information, completes a tips information form, and then passes the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded."

"All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."