CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — University of Illinois Police officers responded to 57 E. Springfield Ave., Champaign, at 6:46 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, to investigate a sexual assault reported earlier that morning.

While attempting to make contact at the property, a house that was supposed to be vacant and is scheduled for demolition, officers observed several individuals fleeing the building. Additional UIPD officers responded to assist, and police stopped two individuals who had run from the house. They reported that multiple people remained inside and that weapons might be present.

Due to the potential presence of weapons and additional individuals inside, officers requested additional units. A perimeter was established around the scene while a search warrant was obtained as part of the sexual assault investigation.

The Champaign Police Department SWAT team was called to assist in executing the search warrant because of the alleged presence of weapons.

A total of eight individuals were detained during the investigation, which remains ongoing. 

Chantel A. Coad, 41, of Urbana; Blake H. Conyers, 53, of Champaign; and Jeffrey M. Milner, 37, of Champaign were arrested on unrelated Champaign County warrants.

The University of Illinois Police Department thanks the Champaign Police Department, the CPD SWAT team, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force for their quick and coordinated response.

Please note, those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and formal charges may change as cases are adjudicated.