Urbana, IL – A dramatic police chase unfolded in Urbana on Wednesday, beginning around 6:53 PM when a patrol sergeant encountered a vehicle performing a dangerous maneuver at the intersection of Washington and Vine Streets. The vehicle, occupied by masked individuals including juveniles, one of whom displayed a firearm, aggressively maneuvered in reverse towards the officer’s squad car, prompting an urgent response.
The pursuit escalated as the vehicle fled through the city streets, ultimately losing control and crashing near a residential area. Urbana police promptly apprehended four out of five occupants after a short foot chase. The suspects, mostly juveniles, were arrested and transported to the Champaign County Youth Detention Center.
Charges against these juveniles include aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, aggravated resisting an officer—which resulted in minor injuries to one officer—possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Although ammunition was found, the firearm has not been recovered, prompting police to ask the public for assistance in locating it. The community is encouraged to report any related information anonymously via Crime Stoppers, with significant rewards offered for tips leading to arrests. The investigation continues as authorities seek to ensure public safety and process the young suspects accordingly.
