Area deemed safe after Illini-Alert

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — An off-campus emergency which prompted an Illini-Alert notification to students, faculty and staff Friday morning has been resolved.

At 5:54 a.m. Friday, a 911 caller reported an individual was acting erratically, unclothed, and possibly in need of medical attention near the area of Second and Green streets, Champaign. Police and medical responders were dispatched.

The first arriving officer was on scene within a minute of being dispatched and observed that the individual was holding a knife. Officers contained the individual to a small area and began speaking with her for an extended period of time to de-escalate the situation. An Illini-Alert emergency notification was issued to students, faculty and staff instructing them to avoid the area.

During that conversation with police, the individual dropped the knife, and first responders began to provide medical assistance. The scene was determined to be safe at approximately 8:30 a.m., and police issued an updated Illini-Alert informing students, faculty and staff that it was safe to resume normal activity. No physical injuries were reported.

University of Illinois Police were assisted by officers the Urbana and Champaign police departments, including a behavioral health detective and crisis negotiator from the Urbana Police Department. UIPD is thankful for the quick response and continued collaboration with community partners.