CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Police officers responded to a Campustown bar early Tuesday morning for reports of an armed subject.

At approximately 12:11 a.m. Aug. 19, UIPD officers stopped at The Red Lion, 211 E. Green St., Champaign, to engage with employees when a security manager reported a safety concern that prompted an Illini-Alert emergency notification.

The security manager told officers there had been an altercation in the bar and that one of the individuals involved fled the area and was possibly armed with a firearm.

While speaking with officers, the security manager pointed out two men involved in the altercation at the end of the street. Officers conducted a thorough search of the men, but no firearms were located.

As officers continued speaking with the two men, additional officers spoke with the victims of the altercation, who had reported the firearm to security. During the conversation, the victims told officers that a third individual fled to the Towers at Third parking garage, 302 E. John St., Champaign.

With a suspect outstanding and no firearms located, police supervisors elected to send an Illini-Alert notification.

Officers searched the parking garage while others continued to speak with the victims, who later altered their initial statements. The victims admitted they had not observed a firearm but said the suspect’s actions implied one.

With updated information and the determination that the suspect was no longer in the area, an all-clear notification was issued.

The investigation is ongoing, and UIPD investigators are reviewing security camera footage in the area. Police continue to seek any evidence or information from witnesses that may help locate the outstanding individual.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216. Witnesses may remain anonymous by calling Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (373-TIPS), by visiting 373tips.com or by providing information through the P3 Tips mobile app available on iOS and Android. All messages to Crime Stoppers are electronically stripped of identifying information and forwarded to police by an independent third party.

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