News Local/State

Champaign Police Investigating Batteries, Attempted Sexual Assaults On U of I Campus

By Jeff Bossert
 

Champaign Police are investigating two reports of a male intruder in women's apartments overnight Friday on the U of I campus, as well as three reports of random batteries by a group of suspects.

The incidents with the intruder occured within 90 minutes of each other, all 309 East Green Street in Champaign.  A woman tells police she woke up around 3 a.m. to find a man lying in bed with her.  She says the man ran out of the apartment when she confronted him.  A police report says the suspect was a black male, age 19-23, 6' or taller, wearing a bright orange or red sweater.

In the second incident says she woke up around 4:30 a.m. to find a man lying in bed with her wearing a blue and white collared shirt.  In both cases, the suspect ran out of the apartment when confronted by the residents.

Champaign Police also report three reports of batteries that occured early Saturday between 3-30 and 4 a.m. for no apparant reason.  Officers say it's possible the five victims were battered by the same group of suspects.

The incidents occured in the 600 block of Fifth Street, 200 East Chalmers Street, Chalmers and Locust Streets, and 100 East Chalmers. 

In one incident, the suspects exited two vehicles, battered the victim, and left in their vehicles.  In the other cases, police say it appears the suspects were walking together in a group just prior to beating the victims.

During some encounters, the suspects would ask the victim or verbalize general threats just prior to the battery.  One victim had a cell phone stolen.

None of the victims sustained serious injuries, but some sought medical treatment for cuts and bruises.

In all instances, the victims described the suspects as a group of black males.  The number in the group ranged from 6 to 8. 

Witnesses to any of these events or those with information are encouraged to contact Champaign Police at 217-351-4545, the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216 or Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (8477).