By: Nathalie Murillo
Gun violence in Champaign strikes again; this time, claiming the life of a 36-year-old male early Saturday morning after receiving a deadly gunshot wound to the torso.
According to a report by Champaign Police, the incident occurred in the parking lot of a small strip mall at the 700 Block of North Neil Street after an argument quickly escalated, ending in open fire.
The statement further explains how the Champaign Police Department received the call for medical assistance at roughly 3:32 AM, where they arrived shortly after to discover a crowd gathering around the wounded man suffering from his injuries. The victim received medical attention and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital where he later died.
A follow-up report released the same day confirms an arrest has been made by Champaign Police on the North. Lincoln Avenue in Urbana. 32-year-old Nielmyer Anderson is currently under custody for his involvement with the incident. Anderson was found armed and briefly attempted to feel from officials upon the arrest. While Anderson awaits arraignment and trial, the homicide remains under investigation.
With the homicide marking the third gun-related crime this month in the community, many students are beginning to question their safety. During an interview regarding recent community violence, senior Angelo Santos expresses feeling "very unsafe" when making his way about campus.
"Walking out at night doesn't seem safe anymore" he explains. "I have a fear now hat I know about these events."
Executive Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Alice Cary addresses the recent gun violence in a campus safety notice after another gun-related incident on green street this past week, provide students with an update on steps the university is taking to ensure a safe campus.
"University police will continue to provide additional high-visibility patrols to deter this activity in the area immediately surrounding campus."
Cary further provides resources to alleviate fears recent events may have triggered.
"If you become concerned about a friend or yourself as a result of this incident, the Student Assistance Center (SAC) can help. Staff in the SAC are available Monday through Friday between 8:30-5 P.M."
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