CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A University of Illinois Police investigation into a reported sexual assault Thursday morning led to a SWAT standoff in Campustown, ending with eight people detained and three arrested.
Police said officers responded around 6:45 a.m. to 57 East Springfield Avenue, a property believed to be vacant and set for demolition. When officers arrived, several people fled the home, and others reportedly remained inside with possible weapons.
Due to the potential for armed suspects, the Champaign Police Department SWAT team was called to assist in serving a search warrant. A perimeter was established around the scene, and nearby streets were temporarily closed.
Eight people were detained as part of the investigation. Three — identified as 41-year-old Chantel A. Coad of Urbana, 53-year-old Blake H. Conyers of Champaign, and 37-year-old Jeffery M. Milner of Champaign — were arrested on unrelated warrants. All eight were cited for trespassing, but five were released after interviews with detectives.
University Police thanked the Champaign Police Department, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, and the Street Crimes Task Force for their coordination.
3:08 p.m.
A situation unfolded Thursday afternoon in Campustown after a SWAT team and University of Illinois Police officers executed a search warrant at a residence on the 50 block of East Springfield Avenue.
Police say the tactical response was necessary due to the possibility of weapons and additional people inside the home. Officers surrounded the residence as a precaution while ensuring the safety of nearby residents and businesses.
Just after 1 p.m., University of Illinois Police confirmed that the scene at 57 East Springfield Avenue was “now secure, but the investigation is ongoing.” Streets in the area, including Springfield Avenue and First Street, were briefly closed but have since reopened.
No injuries or arrests have been reported at this time. Authorities have not yet released details about what prompted the search warrant or whether any weapons were found. More information is expected as the investigation continues.