Over 100 Vehicles Tires Slashed

On the morning of Monday, March 01, 2021, the Urbana Police Department began receiving phone calls regarding punctured vehicle tires in the West Urbana neighborhood, roughly bordering Stoughton on the north, Washington on the south, Busey on the west, and Broadway on the east. Patrol officers began canvassing the neighborhood and located dozens of cars with punctured tires.

At the time of this release, the Urbana Police Department has located or been made aware of at least 100 vehicles that have had either one or more of their tires punctured. The punctures appear to be circular in shape. The Urbana Police Department is still in the preliminary stages of the investigation, including the collection of vehicle owner information. Anyone who has discovered their vehicle tire(s) to be damaged is urged to call the Urbana Police Department in order to have their information included with this incident.

Preliminary information appears to show that the offender is likely a single male who was walking around the neighborhood during the overnight hours of Sunday, 02-28-21 until the morning hours of Monday, 03-01-21. Some recovered video shows the suspect wearing a dark colored coat with a lighter colored hooded sweatshirt underneath. The suspect is carrying a lighter colored bag or satchel on one shoulder.

The investigation of this incident is ongoing. Anyone with further information, photographs, or video recordings is encouraged to call the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320. Detectives will arrange to meet with witnesses privately. Callers may remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS, submit a tip on the Champaign County Crime Stoppers website (champaigncountycrimestoppers.com), or submit a tip on the free P3 Tips app, which is available in iTunes and Google Play app stores. 

Contact: Lt. Dave Smysor, Urbana Police Department, Criminal Investigations Division City of Urbana, 217-384-2320, smysordg@urbanaillinois.us