CHAMPAIGN, IL – An 18-year-old Urbana man was arrested Monday morning for his alleged role in an October 18 shooting near the University of Illinois campus that left another person seriously injured.
According to the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD), the incident occurred near Fifth and Green streets in Champaign. Investigators said eyewitness statements and community-submitted video footage quickly helped them identify a suspect. The Illinois State Police also assisted with evidence collection at the scene.
Based on the investigation, UIPD detectives obtained both an arrest warrant for the suspect, identified as Decoven Stephens, 18, of Urbana, and a search warrant for his residence. Police executed both warrants early Monday with help from the Metropolitan Emergency Tactical Response Operations Team (METRO) and the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force.
Authorities said multiple pieces of evidence were recovered, including a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. Stephens was taken into custody and charged with attempted first-degree murder. His arraignment was scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
UIPD expressed gratitude to community members and law enforcement partners, including the Champaign Police Department, Urbana Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, and the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, for their assistance in the case.
Note: Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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