Twenty-seven individuals were arrested in relation to looting incidents, which took place Sunday afternoon to early Monday morning.

According to a Champaign Police press release, people were gathered at the parking lot of Marketplace Mall around 3 p.m. Sunday and shortly after, several vehicles arrived and individuals “began looting and vandalizing area businesses.”

Arrests were made on several charges including, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, possession of burglary tools, resisting a police officer, retail theft, mob action, aggravated battery to a police officer, criminal trespass, possession of stolen property and burglary.

CPD was already staged on the scene and tried to verbally de-escalate the situation; however, mutual aid was eventually requested from Urbana Police, University Police, Parkland College, Mahomet Police, Champaign County Sheriff, Illinois State Police, U.S. Marshals Service and the Illinois Department of Conservation Police.

“This is a challenging time for our city and our country, and our Department shares your frustration around recent law enforcement injustices, including the most recent national tragedy of George Floyd’s senseless death involving a former Minneapolis police officer. We are committed to supporting and protecting lawful and peaceful protests, but violent rioting, looting and putting your fellow neighbor at risk is not the answer to fostering community dialogue and meaningful progress,” Chief of Police Anthony Cobb said in the press release.

According to the press release, several police officers sustained minor injuries, but no one required hospitalization. Four CPD squad cars were also damaged.

Additionally, many businesses have been damaged. CPD said they are providing a letter to help business owners move forward.

The investigation is still ongoing.

“I want to commend all officers for their composure, professionalism and de-escalation tactics during the recent unrest. An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the planned riot and if there was criminal intent,” Cobb said.

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