Champaign Police Release New Details on Aug.14 Traffic Stop

A Champaign Police officer is earning praise for his efforts to help a man and possibly save lives during a traffic stop last week.

A press release indicates Sgt. Geoffrey Coon stopped a vehicle that had run a stop sign at North Sixth and Bradley Avenue just before 1:30 am last Wednesday, August 14.

The officer noted the man had open liquor containers inside, and had left the scene of a reported residential burglary. 

Sergeant Coon says after he asked the man to exit the vehicle, he was seen removing the gun from his pants, and then placed the muzzle of the gun to his own head. 

The officer tried to disarm the man, and a struggle ensued.  Police say after the driver resisted Coon’s efforts, the gun went off, injuring the driver.

Both Coon and the driver, whose name is not being released, were treated and released from a local hospital.  Based on preliminary information, police say Coon did not fire his gun or the driver’s gun.

“I am proud of Sgt. Coon’s bravery and am pleased with the manner in which he responded to this situation; lives could have been lost during this traffic stop," said Champaign Police Chief Anthony Cobb. "My heart goes out to the families of officers killed in the line of duty," he said.

Champaign Police will continue to provide information as it becomes available.  Last Wednesday’s incident is still under review by a multi-jurisdictional investigative team led by Illinois State Police.