CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign Police said two men have been arrested after a shooting incident that turned into a high-speed chase.
Police officials said officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Cynthia Drive at 7:24 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17. Officials said the initial investigation indicated that suspects opened fire on a car before leaving in a nearby vehicle. No one was hit in the shooting, but witnesses were able to identify the suspect vehicle, which officers quickly located nearby.
Once the suspects saw officers, officials said they sped off, and that’s when the chase started. Police said the chase started in Champaign before entering Interstate 74, then exiting onto Cunningham Avenue and winding through areas of Urbana and Champaign County.
The chase ended on South Neil Street near Windsor Road when the car crashed into a ditch. Officials said three people inside the car attempted to run but were caught.
Two of the people were identified as 26-year-olds Oshae Cotton of Champaign and Jaylen Espino of Urbana. They have been arrested and are facing charges on multiple felony offenses. A third person was released after being briefly detained.
Officers searched the route the driver took and found two guns and ammunition. Police said they were tossed out of the suspects’ car during the chase. Police continue to search the area and are looking for witnesses and security camera footage.
Although arrests have been made, the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477, online or the using the P3 Tips mobile app.