Champaign Township, IL – A routine traffic stop in Champaign Township escalated into a brief foot pursuit Wednesday evening after a passenger allegedly fled from deputies and attempted to hide a loaded handgun before being taken into custody.
According to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducted a traffic stop for an Illinois Vehicle Code violation at approximately 7:03 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Authorities said a male passenger, later identified as 24-year-old Devon Miles of Champaign, allegedly ran from the vehicle on foot as deputies approached. During the pursuit, deputies reported seeing Miles place an object beneath a bush before he tripped and fell. He was taken into custody without further incident.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies searched the area and recovered a loaded 9mm handgun. Investigators said Miles is a convicted felon stemming from a 2019 aggravated discharge of a firearm case and is prohibited from legally possessing a handgun.
Miles has been charged with allegedly resisting or obstructing a peace officer, obstructing justice, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. He was transported to the Champaign County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 217-384-1213 or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at 373tips.com or through the P3 Tips mobile app. Crime Stoppers says rewards of up to $5,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
