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Illinois Officer Killed Responding to Domestic, Second Officer Wounded

Chief Anthony Cobb confirmed the death of Officer Chris Oberheim, 44, in a shootout with a suspect Wednesday morning.

May 19, 2021
Illinois Officer Killed Responding to Domestic, Second Officer Wounded

 


A Champaign, IL, Police officer was killed Wednesday morning and another was wounded after responding to a domestic disturbance call at a local apartment complex.

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Chief Anthony Cobb confirmed the death of Officer Chris Oberheim, 44, in a shootout with a suspect Wednesday morning, WCIA reports.

The suspect, identified by authorities as Darion Marquise Lafayette, 24, of Champaign, was killed in an exchange of fire with the officers. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The wounded officer has not been identified. Authorities report the officer is in stable condition at a local hospital.

Chief Cobb said in a statement that "Officer Oberheim joined the Champaign Police Department in September 2008 after beginning his career with the Decatur Police Department. A true professional and devoted public servant, Officer Oberheim is remembered for his heroism, bravery, and the oath of office he honorably upheld in his commitment to duty."

The Champaign News-Gazette reports there have been about 85 reports of shots fired in Champaign to date this year, many of the shooting have resulted in injuries.

Champaign is a city of about 85,000 people. It shares the main University of Illinois campus with nearby Urbana.

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