Champaign County Crime Stoppers announced Tuesday that through the Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program, 32 firearms were taken off the streets and 26 people were arrested in gun-related felony crimes since 2019.
Because of the success of the program, and funding support from the Champaign County Community Coalition and the City of Champaign, Crime Stoppers will continue to utilize the program and encourages members of the public to step forward and share anonymous information about gun-related crimes in Champaign County.
Through the Illegal Gun Bounty Program, a person providing an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers that leads to the arrest of an individual who used a gun during the commission of a felony crime in Champaign County will be awarded a maximum $1,000 cash reward payout.
“Our organization realizes that as summer approaches and pandemic restrictions are rolled back, more people will be getting together and involved in group activities,” a press release said. “In recent years, the warmer weather has also resulted in a sharp increase in gun-related crime, leaving many victims with injuries or fatal wounds. We realize that gun-related crimes can result in witnesses who are afraid to tell law enforcement what they know. Through the Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program, and Crime Stoppers’ guarantee of anonymity, we hope more people will step forward and share information that can be used to hold individuals responsible for their criminal actions.”
Since the Illegal Gun Bounty was introduced, anonymous tips from the public have led to:
- 26 individuals arrested
- 32 firearms recovered, including:
– 24 handguns (one stolen and one with a defaced serial number)
– 5 rifles (including three semi-automatic, one of which was stolen, another was a short-barrel with a defaced serial number)
– 3 shotguns (including one sawed-off shotgun) - $3,000 cash recovered
- 24 rewards approved for a total of $24,000 in cash payouts
“One of my major concerns is someone losing their life to a stray bullet, simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Champaign Detective James Hobson, a member of the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force. “Bullets do not discriminate. Sometimes they hit who they are intended for, but often cases, a person. Often times when striking residences, they penetrate several walls before coming to a stop.”
Board President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers, John Hecker, stressed that the Illegal Gun Bounty Program continues the mission of the organization by providing an easy way for individuals to anonymously convey information to solve crimes and be eligible for a reward. “At a time when gun-related crimes are rapidly increasing locally, Champaign County Crime Stoppers is wholeheartedly committed to the continuance of the successful Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program. Such an effort is solely aimed at enhancing the safety for all citizens of our community.”
As always, tips must come directly to Crime Stoppers in order to qualify for a reward. Tipsters will remain completely anonymous and can submit tips by phone (217-373-TIPS), on the website (373tips.com), or through the free “P3 Tips” mobile app.
