Illinois State Police District 10 Troopers and Zone 5 Agents responded to a report of shots fired at a vehicle on I-57 on February 7, 2017 at approximately 8:36 p.m. in Champaign County.
The suspect vehicle, a black Dodge Durango, was traveling southbound on I-57 near milepost 251. The victim’s vehicle, occupied by two females, was also traveling southbound at the same location. An altercation ensued when shots were fired from the Durango at the victim’s vehicle, striking the driver and the vehicle. The driver suffered minor injuries and called 911.
The Durango was stopped at milepost 235 southbound by ISP District 10, Champaign Police Department, and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department without incident. Six adult occupants were detained and a firearm was recovered. There was also a two month old infant present in the Dodge Durango.
After subsequent interviews, a back seat male passenger, identified as Patrick L. Chapman, 21, Memphis, Tennessee was subsequently charged with Aggravated Use of a Firearm, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and was transported to the Champaign County Jail. Additional charges may be filed at a later time by the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.