Gunshot, Fight Between Roommates Leads to Campustown Arrests

An early Sunday morning fight involving a gunshot in Champaign’s Campustown neighborhood prompted the evacuations of two apartment buildings and the arrests of two men.

Champaign Police believe alcohol played a role both arrests.

Officers were called to 106 E. John Street about 1:30 a.m. after a report of a gun being fired.  Officers say a 22-year old reported fighting with his roommate after coming up from a bar.  A knife was reportedly displayed by one of the parties, and a single shot was fired at the victim through his bedroom door.

When officers arrived, police found the victim in the area, and attempted to conduct an interview.  They say the man, 22-year old David Lu, become agitated, and started ripping up flooring and seating in the squad car.  Lu was arrested for Criminal Damage to Property.

A SWAT team was called in to help officers search the building.  As a precaution, officers evacuated the apartment building, and one just to the east of it, utilizing MTD buses to provide a warm location. 

After repeated attempts to enter the suspect’s apartment, police utilized a robot to gain access, and found him sleeping in the apartment.  Another man and woman not involved in the incident were also found asleep, and a knife and a gun were recovered.

22-year old Daniel Change of Naperville was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, and transported to the Champaign County Jail.  

“Investigators believe that both parties’ use of alcohol may have contributed to these incidents,” said Champaign Police Spokeperson Rene Dunn in a press release.  “Thankfully, this was resolved safely, and no one was seriously injured.”

The University of Illinois activated the Illini Alert system, sending out e-mails and text messages to avoid the area at 3:30 and 4:30 a.m.  The all clear was sent out at 6 a.m.