University police warn armed robbery suspects at large

By Ryan Davis

University police have yet to arrest either of the two suspects involved in a string of seven armed robberies that took place on campus over a 15-day span from March 30 to April 13.

“No one has been apprehended for these crimes,” said Lt. Roy Acree of the University Police. “We’re trying to come up with any type of leads.”

Acree said the University Police Department is working with the Champaign Police Department to solve what they believe to be related armed robberies.

“Our investigator along with a Champaign detective are working side by side on solving this,” said Acree.

The armed robberies are believed to be linked because of similar descriptions of the suspects and similar use of handguns, although one of the seven armed robberies involved a knife, Acree said.

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“Some appeared with guns and some appeared with knives, but the (suspects) description is very similar,” he said

In all instances, the first suspect was described as a heavy set black male approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, Acree said. The second suspect is described as a thinner black male approximately 6 feet tall.

University police confirmed today that the first armed robbery occurred March 30 at 300 South Third St.

Initial reports from the University Police Department said that only four armed robberies had occurred over the last weekend of March. There was, in fact, a fifth armed robbery that occurred March 30, which appears related to the ensuing incidents, University police said.

The seven confirmed armed robberies occurred at the following locations:

  • March 30 at 300 South Third St.
  • March 31 at Illini Grove
  • March 31 at Wright and White streets
  • March 31 at Locust and Chalmers streets.
  • March 31 at Busey Avenue and Nevada Street.
  • April 4 at 600 block of East Clark St.
  • April 13 at Illini Grove.

“Walk in well-lit areas, take advantage of the bus services and take the taxi services if need be,” said Acree.

Acree said that students should not resist if approached and should give up their wallets and jewelry.

“Give up whatever they’re asking for,” he said.