Latest news with #ChampaignCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
One arrested for DUI, two hospitalized following multi-vehicle crash in Savoy
SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — One driver was arrested for a DUI on the Fourth of July following a crash involving multiple vehicles that hospitalized two people in Savoy. UPDATE: Coroner ID's Champaign shooting victim Friday night at approximately 9 p.m., the Champaign County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a crash involving multiple vehicles at the intersection of E Curtis Road and Paddock Drive E. The situation was 'initially convoluted' and was originally thought to be a hit and run. This accident involved 'at least' two vehicles according to the Sheriff's Office. The driver of one of the vehicles involved was arrested on DUI charges after being taken to the hospital with minor injuries and was released on tickets he was given. The driver of another vehicle involved was also hospitalized with minor injuries. Details on this incident are limited at this time, as the full report is not out yet and according to the Sheriff's Office, DUI investigations typically last awhile. There is no further information at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. Sheriff increasing patrols to reduce speeding, improve road safety
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Sheriff's Office announced Monday morning that it will be joining a state-wide effort to increase traffic safety patrols. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said in a news release that more than 200 local law enforcement agencies — along with the Illinois State Police — will increase patrols for speeding and other traffic violations throughout the month of July. Sunday crashes in Champaign send four to hospital; Fire officials call for caution 'Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in careless and risky driving,' Heuerman said in the release. 'No matter how safe of a driver you think you may be, speeding is dangerous and reduces your time to react if something unexpected happens. Speed limits aren't a suggestion; they are the law.' In the past seven months, the Sheriff's Office investigated 173 crashes — 51 of those crashes involved injuries. Heuerman added that five people died in three different fatal crashes. Champaign Co. Crime Stoppers looking for tips on car burglar During the speed limit enforcement campaign, Heuerman said there is an easy way to avoid a ticket: drive the speed limit. In urban areas without a posted speed limit, drivers should not drive over 30 mph; in a rural area, the speed limit is 55 mph. The patrols will increase in Champaign County — and the state — from July 8 to July 31. The enforcement effort is a part of the 'Speeding Catches Up with You' campaign and supports IDOT's 'It's Not a Game' media campaign. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Urbana man arrested, accused of possessing child sexual abuse material
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. — An Urbana man is facing charges of child pornography possession. In March of 2024, the Champaign County Sheriff's Office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). According to the tip, 26-year-old Jesus Gonzalez-Martinez was in possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Decatur man accused of possessing child sex abuse material The sheriff's office conducted a 'thorough investigation,' and detectives confirmed that the material was linked to Gonzalez-Martinez. He was arrested, and police said he later confessed to possessing the material. Now, Gonzalez-Martinez is facing three counts of child pornography possession. On Thursday, he appeared in court for his arraignment, entered a plea of not guilty and requested a trial by jury. On Friday, he'll be back in court for a detention hearing. The Champaign County Sheriff's Department said that this remains an 'active and ongoing investigation.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
‘Click it or Ticket' ahead of Memorial Day, Champaign Co. Sheriff says
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — With Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer approaching, the Champaign County Sheriff's Office is reminding drivers to 'Click it or Ticket,' especially that weekend and in the week leading up to it. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said his office will be taking part in a nationwide high-visibility seatbelt enforcement initiative starting May 16 and going through Memorial Day. Deputies will be taking a 'no-excuses' approach to enforcement and will issue citations at both day and night. 'Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for everyone,' Sheriff Heuerman said. 'It's not just safe; it's the law. During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure the message reaches all drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash.' Boone reappointed as Urbana Police Chief Heuerman added that the State of Illinois achieved a commendable 92.4% daytime seatbelt usage last year, but that means 7.6% of people still need to be reminded. While enforcement will happen at both day and night, a key focus of the 'Click it or Ticket' campaign is on nighttime enforcement, when crash data in Illinois indicated fatal crashes happen more. Illinois enacted its seatbelt law 40 years ago, becoming the third state in the nation to require seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants. The law was upgraded in 2003, allowing police officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up, and that led to a significant increase in compliance. Data shows seat belt usage surged from 16% in 1985 to 92.4% in 2024. The 'Click It or Ticket' campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. man accused of stabbing wife during domestic incident
URBANA TOWNSHIP, Ill. (WCIA) — An Urbana Township man is under arrest after the Champaign County Sheriff's Office said he stabbed his wife during a domestic dispute Sunday night. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said in a release Monday afternoon that the stabbing happened around 8 p.m. on Gurth Drive. Deputies were called by a third party on behalf of the victim, and they arrived to find a 54-year-old woman with a stab wound. The victim was taken to Carle Hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. Urbana Police, Crime Stoppers looking for tips in 2021 murder investigation Her husband, 51-year-old Rafael Magdaleno-Mendoza, was arrested without incident at the home. He is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery, and he remains in custody awaiting an initial court hearing on Tuesday. Heuerman also asked that anyone who has additional information on this incident calls 217-384-1213. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477, visiting their website or by using the P3 Tips app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
