The News-Gazette.com Courts, Police & Fire

Courts, Police & Fire

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Urbana businessman convicted of sexual abuse

URBANA – An Urbana businessman accused of having sex with a teen who worked for him two years ago was convicted of felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse by a Champaign County jury Thursday.

Cameron Belk, 40, whose last known address was in the 600 block of North Fourth Street, Champaign, acted as his own attorney in a trial that began Monday.

Man's upper lip bitten off in Penfield bar fight

PENFIELD – A Rantoul man whose lip was bitten off in a fight early Saturday was treated and released from Carle Foundation Hospital.

Champaign County sheriff's Sgt. Dan Coile said a deputy was sent to the Carle emergency room early Saturday where Christopher Tarter, 29, was being treated. He reported that he had been at the Last Call Tavern in Penfield and as he was leaving a fight broke out in the parking lot.

Urbana teen taken to hospital after trying to put out blaze

URBANA – A 13-year-old Urbana boy who tried to put out a kitchen fire in Urbana on Wednesday was taken to a local hospital to be checked for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters were called to the Prairie Green Apartments in southeast Urbana at 1:39 p.m. Wednesday, according to Urbana fire Division Chief Rusty Chism. When they arrived, there was a lot of smoke, but the fire was quickly extinguished, he said.

Rantoul resident fleeing police dies in crash

PAXTON – A Rantoul man was killed in a car crash near Paxton late Wednesday after he fled from police.

Ford County Coroner Douglas Wallace said Michael J. Taylor, 50, of the 200 block of West Sangamon Avenue, was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m. at the scene of the crash on Ford County Road 1800 E near Ford County Road 200 N. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Thomasboro man in critical condition after crashing SUV

THOMASBORO – A Thomasboro man remained hospitalized Thursday morning after crashing his car into a guardrail in what police said was a drunken driving collision Wednesday night.

A Carle Foundation Hospital spokeswoman said Mark A. Moore, 45, was listed in critical condition.

Sealant spill on Prospect snarls traffic

CHAMPAIGN – A small chemical spill stalled traffic at the Interstate 74 interchange with Prospect Avenue for about three hours Wednesday afternoon.

About 4 p.m. Wednesday, a tank of asphalt sealant fell from a truck in the northbound lanes on the Prospect overpass over I-74. The nonhazardous chemical spill blocked the northbound side of the road.

Rantoul girl, 5, hurt when struck by car aimed at another

URBANA – A Rantoul child who got in the way of a woman apparently intent on hitting another woman with her car was hospitalized Wednesday with a broken hip and upper leg.

Tania Evans, 28, of the 1600 block of Keesler Drive, was charged Wednesday in Champaign County Circuit Court with reckless driving, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and driving under suspension.

Teen to be tried as adult in Rantoul incident

URBANA – A Rantoul teen will be tried as an adult for allegedly sexually assaulting a developmentally delayed girl in his home Tuesday.

The case was automatically transferred to adult court.

Trial date set for Danville attorney Wolgamot

CHAMPAIGN – A jury trial has been scheduled for Sept. 22 for Danville attorney John "Pat" Wolgamot, who was indicted last year on federal charges of tax fraud conspiracy and helping to file false tax returns.

Wolgamot was indicted last year with two others on a superseding, or new, indictment on federal charges of tax fraud conspiracy and aiding and abetting filing of false tax returns.

Champaign man pleads guilty to possessing counterfeit bills

URBANA – A Champaign man who admitted having counterfeit cash in his home faces 15 to 21 months in prison when he is sentenced later this year.

Lavell D. Joiner, 24, who also goes by Joyner, and last lived in the 2500 block of West Springfield Avenue, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Urbana to possession of counterfeit United States currency.

Truck driver spills fuel in accident, but not his load of cheese

The driver of a semi-trailer lost between 100 and 200 gallons of diesel fuel but not the thousands of pounds of cheese he was hauling during an accident Wednesday evening.

According to state police reports, Bradley John Anderson, 57, of Decatur, was driving a 1999 Freightliner semi-tractor trailer and hauling a box trailer with 44,000 pounds of unrefrigerated cheese.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Rantoul woman charged when girl hit by car

URBANA – A Rantoul woman apparently intent on hitting a woman with her car was charged with hitting a child who got in her path, breaking the child's hip and upper leg.

Rantoul man accused of having sex with 14-year-old friend

URBANA – A Rantoul man accused of having sex with a teenage friend is due back in court next month.

Irshell Rife, 22, of the 1500 block of Hobson Drive, was charged Tuesday in Champaign County Circuit Court with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, accusing him of having sex with a 14-year-old Mahomet girl at his Rantoul home on June 13.

Champaign man arraigned on charges of selling cocaine

URBANA – A Champaign man accused of selling cocaine to a police source is due back in Champaign County Circuit Court in September.

Demerio Hilson, 22, of the 2600 block of West Springfield Avenue, was arraigned Tuesday on two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance alleging that on July 6 and on July 19, he sold cocaine to a person working with Champaign narcotics investigators.

Rantoul man, 22, arraigned on drug charge after weekend arrest

URBANA – A Rantoul man was charged Monday with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance after a weekend arrest.

Christopher Foster, 22, who listed an address in the 1900 block of County Road 3000 N, failed to appear for arraignment court Monday after having posted bond over the weekend for his Friday arrest. However, he appeared Tuesday and Judge John Kennedy gave him a new bond of $100,000 and ordered him back in court Sept. 16.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

State police on alert for unsafe drivers on way to Brickyard 400

State police troopers in Illinois and Indiana will be watching for drivers speeding and otherwise driving unsafely on the way to the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis.

The 15th running of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard will be on Sunday, with pre-race activities, including NASCAR Sprint Cup practice, at the Speedway. Events also include practices and races at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Tremont, Ind. The Brickyard 400 race Sunday is expected to draw 400,000 spectators.

Teen gets court supervision for throwing items from overpass

URBANA – A Mahomet teen who admitted throwing bags or water balloons off an Interstate 74 overpass onto a van passing below was sentenced Monday to court supervision.

The sentence means that if the youth successfully completes his six-month period of supervision without getting into trouble or violating the rules of his supervision, he will have no record of a conviction.

Woman admits helping boyfriend rob Busey Bank in Rantoul

URBANA – An 18-year-old Rantoul woman who admitted participating in the holdup of a Rantoul bank with her boyfriend faces two-and-a-half to six years in prison when sentenced in October.

Krystal Brown of the 400 block of Marco Drive pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Urbana to aggravated bank robbery. She admitted to Judge Michael McCuskey that on Sept. 28, 2007, she drove Ahkeem Thomas, 20, to the Busey Bank at 200 E. Sangamon Ave., where he used a plastic toy assault rifle to rob the bank of $10,300.

Man charged with burglary in incident at Champaign Gordman's

URBANA – A 51-year-old Champaign man could face a mandatory prison term if convicted of burglary.

Thomas Johnson of the 900 block of West Bradley Avenue was arraigned Monday on a burglary charge alleging that on July 5 he broke a window at Gordman's, 1901 N. Market St., C, after the store had closed, and carried out items.

Teen arrested in fights after Champaign County Fair closes

URBANA – A number of fights that broke out on north Urbana streets as the Champaign County Fair was closing Friday night resulted in the arrest of one man.

Urbana police Sgt. Dan Morgan said there were about 200 to 300 people leaving the fair around 11 p.m. and "a large number were fighting" in the 1300 block of North Busey Avenue, on North McCullough Street and on North Coler Avenue, he said.

Hoopeston couple admit chaining up niece in bedroom

DANVILLE – A Hoopeston man and his wife have pleaded guilty in connection with a 2007 incident in which their adult mentally disabled niece was found chained to a bed.

On Monday, Ronald H. Schwartz, 67, and Barbara A. Schwartz, 65, each pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful restraint, a Class 4 felony. It is punishable by probation or up to three years in prison.

Three men charged in armed robbery at Danville Payless store

DANVILLE – Three Danville men were charged on Monday in connection with a weekend armed robbery at a Payless Shoe Store in Danville.

Antonio Richardson, 39, and Derrick Qualls, 37, both of whom listed addresses in the 400 block of Oak Street, and Larry H.L. Townes, 22, who listed an address in the 1100 block of Chandler Street, each were charged with one count of aggravated robbery, a Class 1 felony, and one count of unlawful restraint, a Class 4 felony.

No arrests made in Danville shooting that left 23-year-old dead

DANVILLE – No arrests have been made yet in an early Sunday morning shooting that killed a 23-year-old Danville man, Danville police said Monday afternoon.

An autopsy Monday showed that Zellner Douglas Brown was shot multiple times, Vermilion County Coroner Peggy Johnson said. She said an inquest will be held at a later date.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Police release name of man who died in custody

RANTOUL – Rantoul police have released the name of a man who died in police custody Friday after getting in a fight in Rantoul.

Rantoul police investigator Sgt. Jeff Wooten said Darren F. Wilson, 40, of 1125 Bel Air Drive, Rantoul, was pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital at 9:11 p.m. Friday.

23-year-old Danville man killed in shooting in parking lot

DANVILLE – Police are looking for a Danville man who shot and killed another Danville man during an argument early Sunday morning.

Danville Public Safety Director Larry Thomason said in a statement Sunday night that police were pursuing a suspect in an early morning shooting that claimed the life of 23-year-old Zellner Douglas Brown of Danville.

Champaign man held on home invasion charge

URBANA – A Champaign man remained in the county jail Monday morning after his arrest Saturday for home invasion.

Champaign police arrested Marcus Deangelo Anderson, 36, of the 1600 block of Dale Drive for an incident that occurred about 11 p.m. in the 300 block of West Columbia Avenue.

Crimestoppers seeking information on rape in parking lot

Champaign County Crimestoppers and the University of Illinois police this week are seeking help in solving a case of a rape that occurred at a campus parking lot.

Between 3 and 4 a.m. July 13, a 19-year-old woman was beaten and raped by a man who had given her a ride in a van. The woman told police that she had been in town visiting friends and had gone to a campus bar and then to a party at the Sigma Chi fraternity, 410 E. John St. She said she left the party by herself and accepted a ride with the unknown man.

Screwdriver used in Urbana gas station robbery

URBANA – Urbana police are investigating an armed robbery at a gas station Sunday night.

Lt. Bryant Seraphin said police were sent to Collins Oil, 808 E. Main St., U, shortly after 10:37 p.m.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Man sought in shooting death of 23-year-old in Danville

DANVILLE – Danville police are looking for a man who shot and killed a 23-year-old Danville man during an argument early Sunday morning.

Danville Public Safety Director Larry Thomason said police were called at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday to a report of a shooting in the 500 block of East Main Street, a mostly business section a few blocks east of downtown Danville.

Champaign officer a friendly face in improving Garden Hills

CHAMPAIGN – Lt. Scott Swan, the point man in the city's effort to clean up the Garden Hills neighborhood, isn't your traditional tough-guy cop.

The 46-year-old Champaign police officer is imposing enough, at 6-1 and 240 pounds, to fill the role (though he says he wouldn't mind getting down to 190 pounds). But as he puts it, "I've got kind eyes" and an attitude that makes him want to help most people.

Death of person in custody under investigation

RANTOUL – The Champaign County Serious Use of Force Team is investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a person who died while in police custody Friday night.

At 7:40 p.m. Friday, the Rantoul Police Department responded to a call about a fight between two people in the 1100 block of Bel Air Drive, according to a news release issued by Rantoul Chief of Police Paul Farber on Saturday.

Firefighters' streak snuffed out in fundraiser for Crisis Nursery

URBANA – History was on the side of the firefighters, but the police showed up at Urbana High School with something to prove.

And the way things went at Saturday night's annual flag football matchup to benefit the Crisis Nursery, you might say the cops arrested the firefighters' chances early in the game.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Judge orders psychiatric check for woman sitting outside house

URBANA – A Champaign County judge Friday ordered a 42-year-old woman who's been sitting outside a house in north Urbana for the last 16 days to be picked up for a psychiatric evaluation.

Noting that Jenine Ellison has remained in the same spot under a tree outside during several severe storms in the last two weeks, Judge Heidi Ladd agreed that an "emergency exists such that immediate hospitalization is necessary."

Bicyclists ride through Tuscola to honor slain deputy, others

TUSCOLA – The riders were a sight to behold as they crested the hill on U.S. 36 Friday afternoon, a wheeled legion with matching helmets, yellow tops and black bike shorts.

The 25 riders, who covered more than 170 miles since Thursday morning in temperatures hovering around the 90s, were sunburned and sweaty as they honored fallen Douglas County Chief Deputy Tommy K. Martin with those who remember him best.

Urbana man facing rape charge

URBANA – An Urbana man is accused of a rape at a New Year's party in Urbana.

Martez Williamson, 21, who listed an address in the 1800 block of Cottage Grove, was arraigned and pleaded innocent Friday to a Class 1 felony charge of criminal sexual assault.

Paroled burglar charged in 2006 Rantoul break-in

URBANA – A former Rantoul man recently paroled for a Ford County burglary faces a separate charge for a 2006 residential burglary in Rantoul.

Christopher Echols, 20, formerly of the 600 block of Willow Pond, Rantoul, is due to return to court for a pretrial hearing Sept. 16 on a felony charge of residential burglary. He appeared in Champaign County Circuit Court Friday.

Guilty pleas resolve Champaign County cases

URBANA – Criminal cases were resolved recently in Champaign County Circuit Court with guilty pleas.

Friday, July 18, 2008

University of Illinois police release sketch of rape suspect

URBANA – University of Illinois police Friday released a composite drawing of a suspect in a violent campus rape.

UI police Lt. Roy Acree said Friday morning the composite sketch was done by an artist from descriptions given by a 19-year-old woman who was beaten and raped in the 1800 block of South Lincoln Avenue in Urbana between 3 and 4 a.m. July 13.

Man faces life sentence after third armed robbery conviction

URBANA – A Champaign man faces a mandatory life sentence after being convicted of his third armed robbery Thursday by a Champaign County jury.

Judge Michael Jones set sentencing for Michael C. Smith, 39, who listed an address in the 2600 block of Heritage Drive, for Sept. 2. The jury took about two hours to find him guilty of the Nov. 21, 2007, armed robbery of a clerk at the Colonial Pantry, 312 E. Green St., C.

Potomac man facing new DUI charges in crash death

URBANA – Armed with new information about a Potomac man's history of drunken driving, Champaign County prosecutors have lodged additional charges against him.

James B. Daly, 40, was arraigned Thursday on two additional counts of driving under the influence stemming from the death of James Marron, 81, of Rantoul. Daly is being held on $250,000 bond.

Georgetown man who ran over teen gets 364 days in jail

DANVILLE – In their victim-impact statements, 18-year-old Brandon Yoho's family and friends had asked a judge to imprison the man who two summers ago ran over the Georgetown teen with his car but delayed telling authorities.

But on Thursday, his mother, Darlene Yoho, thanked Vermilion County Circuit Judge Nancy Fahey for giving Jonathan K. Gallez 2½ years of probation and 364 days in jail instead.

Police seeking man in northwest Champaign stabbing

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign County sheriff's investigators are looking for a man who stabbed another man in an argument in northwest Champaign early Thursday.

Champaign County sheriff's Lt. Ed Ogle said about 12:10 a.m., two men argued outside in the 1400 block of King's Way Drive. One man received a stab wound to the abdomen that was not considered life-threatening, Ogle said.

Urbana man accused of ID theft

URBANA – An Urbana man is accused of using the identity of another person who borrowed his computer to try to make purchases.

Chad Z. Williams, 19, who listed an address in the 1900 block of North Lincoln Avenue, is due Sept. 9 for a pretrial hearing on a Class 3 felony charge of financial identity theft.

Danville buildings reopening after power line problem

DANVILLE – Danville city hall and the Vermilion County Courthouse Annex will open Friday morning for business as usual after arcing power lines forced both buildings to close Thursday afternoon.

Danville city employees heard a popping noise Thursday morning coming from the electrical lines that run over the alley between the two buildings, and some county employees saw blue sparks in the mailroom of the annex.

Broadlands benefit planned for children of crash victims

BROADLANDS – The Broadlands Christian Youth Club is sponsoring a benefit Friday night for the children of William and Julie Orndorff, who were killed in an accident over the weekend.

As part of the benefit, the youth club plans to screen two movies at Broadlands Park: "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and "Night at the Museum."

Douglas Counthy sheriff warns of 'aggressive' telephone scam

Douglas County Sheriff Charlie McGrew is warning county residents about a phone scam in the area.

In the "particularly aggressive scam," a caller identifies himself as a U.S. Customs employee and tells his potential victim that he or she won the Canadian Sweepstakes and failed to claim the winnings, a sheriff's office press release reports.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Ludlow police switch to motorcycle to save on fuel costs

LUDLOW – The Ludlow police have switched from a squad car to a motorcycle in an effort to cut fuel use from 25 to four gallons a week.

While Police Chief Joe Navarro's squad car got about 8 to 10 miles per gallon, his motorcycle gets 40 miles per gallon.

Rantoul man charged with sex abuse

URBANA – A 49-year-old Rantoul man is scheduled to be back in court Sept. 9 after being charged Wednesday with sexually molesting a child.

William Ashby II, who listed an address in the 500 block of West Penfield Street, was charged with a single count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse alleging that on June 20 he committed a sex act with a girl under the age of 13 at a home in Rantoul.

Youths accused in Gibson City vandalism spree

GIBSON CITY – Police are asking residents in the northeast section of town to check their property and report anything missing or damaged after a spree of vandalism.

"We are up to 26 incidents and we haven't closed out the investigation yet," said Gibson City Police Chief Steve Cushman on Wednesday. Five officers have been involved in the case, beginning with a call to the station at 9:45 p.m. Saturday and ending at 4 a.m. Sunday when four juveniles were apprehended.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Burglary case nets six-year term

URBANA – The following Champaign County criminal cases were resolved recently through guilty pleas or sentences:

– Jason Dalton, 29, of the 1700 block of Garden Hills Drive, Champaign, pleaded guilty to burglary and received six years in prison, which he will have to serve after he finishes a five-year sentence he received in September for theft. Dalton admitted that in September 2007, he entered the Meijer store on North Prospect Avenue, Champaign, intending to cash forged checks stolen from a Champaign man.

Police on lookout for vehicle involved in BB gun shootings

CHAMPAIGN – Police say someone has been riding around shooting out car windows in Champaign, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Champaign police crime analyst Gary Spear said reports of BB damage from Sunday and Monday came from areas in all parts of the city.

Four felony charges leveled at Broadlands man

URBANA – A Broadlands man is due to return to court later this month for a preliminary hearing on felony charges stemming from a double fatal crash in Broadlands over the weekend.

David A. Black was arraigned Tuesday on four felony charges of aggravated driving under the influence. Black is due to return to court July 29 for a preliminary hearing.

Jury rules police chief entitled to $2.1 million

URBANA – A jury has decided that a local preservation organization and the city of Tuscola owe Tuscola Police Chief Craig Hastings more than $2.1 million for injuries Hastings received during a fall at the old North Ward School building in 2004.

A Champaign County jury ruled on Tuesday that the Preservation and Conservation Association of Champaign County owes Hastings $1,482,616.80 and the city of Tuscola owes him $635,407.23, although Hastings didn't sue the city.

Man gets 21 years for selling crack

URBANA – A former Urbana man will spend the next 21 years in prison for selling crack cocaine.

U.S. Central District of Illinois Chief Judge Michael McCuskey on Monday sentenced Tony Rutherford, 32, who formerly lived in the 1100 block of Lanore Drive, to 25 years in prison. Under federal law, he will serve 85 percent of that time.

Danville businesses offering reward for information on crimes

DANVILLE – Local businessmen are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the criminals responsible for stealing air- conditioning units or stealing the metal inside units at various business locations.

Doug Miller, deputy director of the Danville Police Department, said the businessmen want to remain anonymous but will pay for information that leads to arrests for thefts that have occurred at three Danville locations since late April.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Jury awards $2.1 million to Tuscola police chief

URBANA – A jury has decided that a local preservation organization and the city of Tuscola owe Tuscola Police Chief Craig Hastings more than $2.1 million in connection with injuries Hastings received during a fall at the old North Ward School building in 2004.

The Champaign County jury ruled on Tuesday that the Preservation and Conservation Association of Champaign County owes Hastings $1,482,616.80 and the city of Tuscola owes him $635,407.23, even though Hastings did not sue the city. The jury assigned that amount to Tuscola.

Champaign man gets 14-year sentence for incident with police

URBANA – A Champaign man with a history of violence was sentenced Monday to another 14 years in prison for his behavior toward two Champaign police officers a year ago.

"He is the embodiment of someone who is antisocial and committed to being that way," Champaign County Judge Heidi Ladd said of Raymond Wrencher.

Fire damages two homes, destroys garage in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Fire and police officials are investigating an arson that destroyed a detached garage to a house in southwest Champaign.

Deputy Chief Tim Wild said firefighters were dispatched to the fire at 2001 Cypress Drive at 5:18 p.m. Monday.

Texas man arrested after truck search yields cannabis haul

URBANA – A Texas man is being held in lieu of $250,000 bond in the Champaign County jail, accused of bringing cannabis into Illinois to sell.

Javier Lopez, 39, who gave authorities an address in Grulla, Texas, was arraigned Monday on charges of unlawful cannabis trafficking and unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis, alleging he had about 7½ pounds hidden in the engine compartment of his semitrailer truck.

Urbana man facing child sex assault charges

URBANA – An Urbana man accused of sexually assaulting a toddler is due back in court later this month.

Kethan Garlick, 29, who listed an address in the 700 block of Scovill Drive, was arraigned Monday on two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, alleging two different sex acts that occurred with a child under the age of 13 at a home in Champaign between April and July 2008.

Former Champaign school official arraigned in attack

CHAMPAIGN – A former Champaign school official is accused of hitting the mother of her grandson with a hammer in a child custody dispute Friday.

Deloris Henry, 62, who listed an address in the 3300 block of Country Bend Place, was arraigned Monday on a felony charge of aggravated battery and a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of service of process, according to Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Police seek help in solving campus attack

URBANA – A man physically and sexually assaulted a 19-year-old woman on the University of Illinois campus early Sunday morning, according to a UI advisory sent Sunday from Jeff Christensen, interim executive director of public safety and chief of police for the University of Illinois Police Department.

The assault occurred between 3 and 4 a.m. Sunday in a parking lot in the 1800 block of South Lincoln Avenue.

Seymour business destroyed by blaze after lightning strike

SEYMOUR – A lightning strike sparked a fire that destroyed a rural Seymour business Saturday morning.

But Jonathan Butcher, owner of Butcher's Electrical Service at 1644 County Road 200 E, said this morning that he's still working, with the help of friends who are loaning him equipment.

Man faces charges in crash that killed 2

BROADLANDS – A Broadlands man was expected to be charged this afternoon with felony aggravated driving under the influence following a collision Saturday that killed a Broadlands couple.

Champaign County sheriff's Sgt. Dan Coile said David A. Black, 42, was driving his van east on County Road 200 N near Park Street in Broadlands about 9:25 p.m. when he hit the rear end of a motorcycle driven by William Orndorff, 42. He and his wife, Julie Orndorff, 34, who was on the back, were thrown from the motorcycle. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Fire causes $100,000 in damage to vacant house

CHAMPAIGN – An early morning fire Saturday left $100,000 in damage to a vacant house.

Champaign firefighters were called to 3403 Mill Creek Court at 3:50 a.m. Saturday and found heavy smoke coming from the attic of a vacant two-story home, according to reports.

Fire caused by lightning destroys shed

URBANA – A lightning strike Saturday morning sparked a shed fire and caused $1,500 in damage.

The Carroll Fire Department was called to 47 Richard Drive in Urbana at 7:41 a.m. Saturday.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Canine partner Roxey retired after 9-year stint

URBANA – There aren't many employees willing to work nine years with no compensation except food and medical care and then pay for their replacement before retiring.

But Roxey has done just that for the University of Illinois police department.

Youth going to music camp victimized

URBANA – Money was taken from a youth attending a summer music camp at the University of Illinois this week.

The 14-year-old male from Western Springs told campus police that a man offered to sell him what appeared to be marijuana on Wednesday, according to UI police Lt. Roy Acree.

Jury acquits Urbana man of armed robbery

URBANA – A Champaign County jury Friday acquitted an Urbana man of a stickup that occurred more than a year ago.

Douglas Cooper, 19, of the 900 block of North Harvey Street, had been charged with the March 31, 2007, armed robbery of Steven J. Scott, 24.

Store manager foils masked man

CHAMPAIGN – A man who tried to rob a Champaign convenience store employee was foiled Thursday.

Champaign police Lt. Joe Gallo said a manager for the Circle K, 1101 N. Prospect Ave., was going to take a deposit bag with receipts to a bank about 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Failure to yield plea in pedestrian death draws $1,000 fine

URBANA – A Champaign man who struck and killed a pedestrian on a busy Champaign street last fall was sentenced Thursday to the maximum fine of $1,000.

Melvin M. Monroe, 43, whose last known address was in the 600 block of West Springfield Avenue, pleaded guilty to failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk before Champaign County Judge Chase Leonhard.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Grant-funded program helping to reduce speeding

CHAMPAIGN – Police ticketed 155 drivers in June for speeding in Champaign, thanks to a special grant-funded program.

Sgt. Dave Griffet, said the Illinois Department of Transportation gave the city a grant in September 2007 that allows the police department to hire back additional hours beyond those normally available for traffic enforcement.

Man under arrest thought to have posed as chiropractor

RURAL ARTHUR – A man suspected of traveling the country posing as a chiropractor has been arrested in Douglas County.

Lonnie W. Lynch Jr., 51, was arrested Tuesday afternoon for conducting medical procedures without a license, according to a press release from the Douglas County sheriff's department. The Newnan, Ga., resident had been giving chiropractic services to citizens mostly in the Amish community in southwest Douglas County. He told residents his alignment of certain vertebrae could help with illness and pain, according to the press release.

House mostly intact after afternoon fire

DANVILLE – No one was home Wednesday afternoon when a fire broke out in a two-story house on Schultz Street on the city's southeast side.

Eva Decorie, 15, was next door when the fire started shortly after 4 p.m. When she ran outside, she saw flames shooting out of the top of the house and a side window on the second story of the house at 39 Schultz St. A neighbor saw the flames first and had called Decorie, who then called 911, and her dad, Rick Decorie, who owns the house.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Crash on I-74 delays morning traffic

CHAMPAIGN – Westbound lanes on Interstate 74 were blocked west of Interstate 57 after a tanker truck overturned early today while trying to avoid another truck.

Illinois State Police Sgt. Bill Emery said a semitrailer truck driver, Edgar Haertling, 72, of Steeleville, tried to make a U-turn from the westbound lane at a highway turnaround at 3:22 a.m. today.

Authorities unsure what went wrong at holiday shows

SPRINGFIELD – It will be a while before investigators with the Department of Natural Resources know what went wrong at fireworks displays last week in Monticello and Villa Grove that left people injured, including a teen-age girl who received burns to her arm and face.

Jim Hafliger, chief technical specialist of the explosives division for DNR, said the company that set off the displays at both locations, CHW Displays Inc., of Monticello, is properly certified and licensed. That company belongs to Clarence H. Wittig, he said.

Four injured in accident on interstate

CHAMPAIGN – An Illinois Department of Transportation worker and three people in a car she hit were injured Tuesday on Interstate 57.

Illinois State Police Sgt. Bill Emery said Jodi Michelle Walk, 35, of Gays was driving north on I-57 near I-72 at 11:28 a.m. when she crossed through the median and hit a southbound sport utility driven by Hombre D. Darby, 34, of Bloomington.

Champaign police warn of e-mail scam

CHAMPAIGN – City police are warning the public about a recent e-mail scam.

On June 23 police received a complaint about threats received by e-mail.

Ticking package turns out to be false alarm

MONTICELLO – A ticking package inside the Monticello post office Tuesday morning set into motion a number of emergency protocols for postal workers, police and firefighters, who performed without missing a beat.

The incident prompted Monticello Postmaster Mitch Rose to advise people to remove batteries before sending any battery-operated device through the mail.

Monticello woman remains in hospital

SEYMOUR – A Monticello woman who crawled from her car to a road hours after her car crashed Monday remained hospitalized Wednesday morning.

Champaign County sheriff's Sgt. Dan Coile said Cindy Shelmadine, 39, was driving east on County Road 1675 N near 200 E early Monday when the rear tire on her car blew and she lost control.

Man out on bond faces new drug charges

URBANA – A Urbana man out on bond in one drug case faces a new charge accusing him of having drugs he intended to sell.

Hamzeh Whadi Al Ghadi, 24, who listed an address in the 900 block of Burkwood Court, Urbana, was arraigned and pleaded innocent Tuesday to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Neighborhood Watch group in the works in Fisher

FISHER – To combat misbehavior at the park and other places in town, Fisher will soon have its own Neighborhood Watch group.

Police Chief Doug Zook told the judiciary committee of the village board and several residents in attendance that the general public's eyes and ears "can do three to one better than we can do." His department consists of two full-time officers and one part-time officer.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Champaign police seeking alleged attacker

CHAMPAIGN – Police are investigating an attack of a Champaign woman who reported she was beaten by a group of young men Saturday.

The 38-year-old woman was attacked by a group of five men, whose ages were estimated at 18 to 23, about 12:40 a.m. Saturday in the 800 block of West Church Street, according to a Champaign police report.

Police searching for man in attempted rape

CHAMPAIGN – Police are asking the public for help in finding a man they say was involved in an attempted rape near the University of Illinois campus.

About 3 a.m. Sunday, Champaign officers were dispatched to meet a 21-year-old woman regarding an attack in the 500 block of East Healey Street in Champaign. The woman reported that a man grabbed her and threatened to rape her, Champaign police spokeswoman Rene Dunn said.

Riding lawn mower stolen from shed

ST. JOSEPH – A riding lawn mower was stolen from a farm shed north of St. Joseph over the weekend.

Champaign County sheriff's Lt. Ed Ogle said the mower was stolen between Friday and Sunday from an unlocked shed on County Road 2400 E. It was valued at $8,360.

Two more get jail time for dropping objects

MONTICELLO – Two more Mahomet teenagers have been sentenced to jail in connection with incidents involving dropping objects on passing vehicles on Interstate 74 from an overpass between Mansfield and Mahomet in March.

Last week, Cody Bebout, 18, and Andrew Griffeth, 18, both of whom listed addresses in Mahomet, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage to property, a class A misdemeanor.

No one injured in Pesotum garage fire

PESTOUM – An early morning fire destroyed a family's garage Monday in Pesotum.

According to Pesotum Fire Chief Steve Schaefer, firefighters were called to a fire at 18 E. Locust St. at 5 a.m. Monday.

Man sentenced to jail for deaths of three horses

MONTICELLO – A rural Mansfield man has been sentenced to 120 days in jail for his role in the deaths of three horses.

Richard Pagel, 47, who listed an address on County Road 1500E in rural Mansfield, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated cruelty to an animal, all Class 4 felonies.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Champaign authorities seek would-be armed robber

Champaign County Crimestoppers and Champaign police are trying to solve an attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery.

About 3:15 p.m. June 29, a 37-year-old St. Joseph man was in his car at a traffic light at North Neil Street and Kenyon Road in Champaign. The man had his window down and his arm was resting on the window frame.

Champaign man imprisoned on drug charge

URBANA – A Champaign man with a history of drug-related convictions was sentenced Thursday to 24 years in prison for yet another.

The sentence was just six years shy of the maximum that Mekiel Kelley, 27, who listed an address in the 3400 block of Stoneway Court, could have received for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Area teen hurt by fireworks in Villa Grove

VILLA GROVE – A 16-year-old girl was burned Friday night by fireworks set off by the same company that had problems at Lodge Park near Monticello on Thursday night, injuring nine.

Because she's a minor, Villa Grove police officer Adam Deckard wouldn't release the girl's name but said she was from Rantoul and was taken to a Springfield hospital by helicopter around 9:45 p.m.

Thieves hit business twice in one week

CHAMPAIGN – Twice last week, a Champaign business was broken into and had merchandise stolen.

Champaign police reports said on Sunday, June 29, someone broke the front door at Real Talk Communications in the 800 block of West Bradley Avenue and stole six speakers and amplifiers.

Fire destroys vacant house in Danville

DANVILLE – A vacant home that was slated to be torn down soon was destroyed by fire Saturday.

Danville fire Capt. David Brady said firefighters were called to the two-story house at 1109 Chandler just before 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Changes improve traffic situation after fireworks

CHAMPAIGN – It may not have been perfect, but traffic appeared to move a little more rapidly following Friday's Champaign County Freedom Celebration fireworks show than it did a year ago, when massive gridlock characterized the event's aftermath.

There were several bottlenecks on Mattis Avenue, but traffic moved fairly steadily on Bradley Avenue. All but one Parkland College parking lot was clear within 45 minutes of the end of the show, according to Champaign police Sgt. Scott Friedlein, who monitored the situation from an airplane.

Specialists called to investigate fireworks accident

MONTICELLO – A team of state investigators gathered at Lodge Park near Monticello on Friday afternoon after stray shells from a fireworks display landed in a crowd the previous evening.

Piatt County Sheriff's Department Sergeant J. D. Russell said about four shells branched off from one firework during Thursday's annual show in Monticello.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Blaze in rural Newtown under investigation

RURAL NEWTOWN – Fire investigators still are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a home north of Newtown early Wednesday morning.

Oakwood firefighters were called to the blaze at 23344 North 900 East Road shortly after midnight. When they arrived, the one-story wood-frame home was engulfed in flames, said Tony Frye, chief of the Oakwood Fire Protection District.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Fire investigation points to electrical problem

CHAMPAIGN – An investigation into a house fire at 1733 Anita Drive, Champaign, will continue Thursday, Champaign Fire Department officials said.

The fire was reported about 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday after fencing contractors working across the street spotted smoke coming from the single-story house.

Arcola house fires under investigation

ARCOLA – About 30 firefighters from Arcola and Arthur spent a few hours Wednesday evening putting out two fires in Arcola.

Firefighters were called out to 214 N. Pine St. about 4 p.m., Arcola Fire Chief Josh Truex said.

Woman accused of having pot for sale from her car

URBANA – An Urbana woman is accused of having marijuana for sale in her car in an Urbana school parking lot.

Latoya Keys, 22, who listed an address in the 2000 block of South Vawter Street, is due to return to court Sept. 9 for a pretrial hearing. She was arraigned and pleaded innocent Monday to a Class 3 felony charge of possession with intent to deliver marijuana within 500 feet of a school. Her bond was set at $1,500 and she was released after posting 10 percent bail.

Extra patrols will be on lookout for drunken drivers

Additional troopers will be patrolling highways for the sake of holiday safety.

State police and local departments will conduct 100 roadside safety checks and hundreds of "saturation patrols" in a statewide safety campaign that will continue through July 6, according to Master Sgt. Brian Ley, state police public information officer.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Seventeen firefighters respond to Champaign fire

The Champaign Fire Department was called to the 1700 block of Anita Drive, Champaign, on Wednesday after smoke was sighted emanating from a single-story house.

Arriving at the scene at about 4:45 p.m., the firefighters found a northeast room at 1733 Anita Drive was engulfed in flames and fire had gotten into the house's attic. They pulled the ceiling in order to fight the blaze.

Clock tower's contractor will pay for jury snafu

URBANA – Neither jurors nor taxpayers will be stuck with the bill for a communications snafu at the Champaign County Courthouse.

Presiding Judge Tom Difanis ordered 66 would-be jurors sent home June 2 because the jury assembly room, just below the courthouse's clock tower, was filled with workers and equipment being used for the tower's renovation.

Autopsy: Boy's death a drowning

CHAMPAIGN – A 3-year-old Indiana boy drowned Monday, according to an autopsy report released Tuesday.

The Champaign County Coroner's office reported that an autopsy was performed Tuesday morning on Wyatt D. DeJesus of Linton, Ind. Toxicology tests are still pending and an inquest may be scheduled at a later date, the coroner's office stated in a release.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Robbery, attempted robberies investigated

Police in Champaign and Urbana are investigating a robbery and two attempted robberies.

About 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, a 37-year-old St. Joseph man was sitting in his vehicle at a traffic light at North Neil Street and Kenyon Road in Champaign when a man approached him and asked for money. When the driver said he didn't have any, the man who approached cut the driver on the arm with a knife and ran off.

Urbana turns to Web to recruit firefighters

URBANA – "Urbana firefighter" would like to meet you on MySpace, but be warned: He's 134 years old.

His favorite movies are "Ladder 49," "Backdraft" and "The Towering Inferno." Favorite TV: "Rescue Me," "Third Watch."

Search results in felony drug charges

URBANA – A man and woman are accused of having more than a third of a pound of cocaine for sale at or near an Urbana apartment.

Arraigned Monday on Class X felony charges of possession with intent to deliver 100 to 400 grams of cocaine were Theodore Brown, 30, who listed an address in the 1400 block of Campbell Drive, Rantoul, and Haley Spesard, 22, who listed an address in the 1900 block of North Cunningham Avenue, Urbana.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Boy dies in apparent drowning

URBANA – Champaign police and the Champaign County coroner are investigating the reported drowning death of a 3-year-old boy from Indiana.

Coroner Duane Northrup said Wyatt Daniel DeJesus of Linton, Ind., was pronounced dead at 1:16 p.m. Monday at Carle Foundation Hospital's emergency room.

Justice system makes switch to new software

URBANA – If there's a sense of tension emanating from certain employees at the Champaign County Courthouse this week, don't take it personally. Several of them will be getting their first real taste of new computer software that's been in the works for five years.

Today is the "go live" date for the circuit clerk, probation, public defender and circuit court employees, the last of the justice system to make the switch. The state's attorney's office has been using the software for more than a couple of years. The sheriff's office also has a compatible version that has been in use more than three years.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Accused in drunken-driving accident had prior convictions

URBANA – A Potomac man charged with seriously injuring a Rantoul man in a drunken driving accident in May has two prior convictions for driving under the influence.

James B. Daly, 40, of Potomac, was arraigned Friday on two counts of aggravated driving under the influence alleging that on May 24, he drove while he was under the influence, causing great bodily harm to James Marron, 81, and while his license was revoked due to two prior convictions for DUI.

Bolingbrook man charged with criminal sexual assault

URBANA – A Bolingbrook man on probation for an incident involving getting alcohol for underage girls was charged Friday with criminal sexual assault of a 16-year-old.

Assistant State's Attorney Rob Scales said Kenneth Draughon, 20, is accused of having sex with the girl against her will at an apartment in the 200 block of East Armory Avenue in Champaign. He met her through her Facebook page, Scales said. Scales said the girl got into an argument Wednesday with her mother and left her home. She sent Draughon a text message asking him to take her to the train station so she could run away.

Last of four men charged in home invasion arraigned

URBANA – The last of four men charged in connection with a St. Joseph home invasion has been arraigned.

Isiah Evans, 19, of Chicago, appeared in Champaign County Circuit Court on Friday and was arraigned on two counts of home invasion, two counts of armed robbery and a count of residential burglary in connection with a May 1 incident at a home in the 1500 block of Locust in St. Joseph.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Charges filed against Potomac man in DUI death

URBANA – Additional charges may be filed against a Potomac man following the death of a man who was critically injured in a May vehicle collision.

Assistant State's Attorney Chris Kanis on Thursday afternoon filed aggravated driving under the influence charges against James Daly, 40, alleging he caused great bodily harm to James "Bud" Marron, 81, of Rantoul, in a May 24 collision.

Man injured in Champaign shooting

A man was injured Thursday evening after being shot in the leg at a Champaign home, police say.

Champaign Police Department spokeswoman Rene Dunn said police were called to a home in the 1200 block of Joanne Lane at 9:38 p.m. The victim was taken to a local hospital but did not appear to have life-threatening injuries, Dunn said.

Suspects sought in Champaign fire

CHAMPAIGN – Police are looking for one or more people who started fires outside a Champaign home on Tuesday.

According to a Champaign police report, a boat trailer, tarp, exterior house siding and screen tent were damaged by a fire on the 3100 block of Sylvan Street at 3:50 a.m. Tuesday.

Fire service institute gets federal grant

An almost $1 million grant to the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute will support research that could eventually help to reduce heart attacks among firefighters.

The $985,661 grant is from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, U.S. Rep. Timothy Johnson, R-Urbana, announced this week.

Resident says privacy rights violated

CHAMPAIGN – A Housing Authority resident accused the executive director of violating his right to privacy in his home.

But a sheriff's deputy said what the resident described didn't happen.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Police search for shooter of Danville man

DANVILLE – Danville police are investigating a Tuesday evening shooting that injured a man.

Deputy police Director Bob Richard said a 37-year-old man received a gunshot wound to the leg. The man, who was not identified, was taken to Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, then transferred to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Fire on Oakwood pole puts about 980 in dark

CHAMPAIGN – About 980 Ameren IP customers in Oakwood were without power for a few hours Tuesday evening.

Ameren Spokeswoman Natalie Hemmer said a fire on a pole at 6 p.m. caused the outage.

Fourth suspect in home invastion turns himself in

URBANA – A fourth man wanted in connection with a May home invasion in St. Joseph is expected to be back in Urbana later this week.

Champaign County sheriff's Lt. Ed Ogle said Isiah A. Evans, 19, of Chicago, turned himself in to Kankakee County authorities about 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Number of fees weighed for Danville fire revenue

DANVILLE – If Medix Ambulance takes you to the hospital for an emergency, the ride will cost between $540 and $590 plus mileage.

If the Danville Fire Department takes you because Medix is tied up, you don't pay a dime.

One Danville alderman thinks it's time that changed.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Riding lawn mower stolen from shed earlier this month

ROYAL – Burglars made off with a riding mower from a rural Royal farm shed sometime this month.

Champaign County sheriff's Sgt. Dan Coile said the 42-inch Dixon riding mower, valued at $1,900, was stolen from a shed on County Road 2500 E. The owner of the shed discovered the break-in Sunday, Coile said. It happened after June 12. Also stolen was a battery charger worth $25.

Ogden man accused of fondling daughter's young guests

URBANA – An Ogden man accused of inappropriate contact with two of his daughter's friends is scheduled to be back in court Aug. 19.

Bobby Morris, 39, was arraigned Monday on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The counts allege that in January and again in May, he fondled and kissed the feet of girls under the age of 13 for his own sexual arousal.

Allhands' trial will stay in Vermilion County for now

DANVILLE – When Ryan Allhands stands trial later this year on charges of shaking 2½-year-old Reagan Williams to death, he most likely will be judged by a jury of Vermilion County residents.

Vermilion County Circuit Judge Michael Clary on Monday denied Allhands' request to move his murder trial out of the county. At this time, he said, there isn't enough evidence to show that the publicity surrounding Reagan's death or Allhands' case has prejudiced potential jurors.