1 Officer Killed And 24-Year-Old Suspect Dead In Shooting: Police

CHAMPAIGN, IL — A Champaign police officer was killed and a suspect was fatally shot in a gunfight on the city's north side Wednesday, police said.

Officer Chris Oberheim died from his injuries after two officers were called to the scene of a domestic disturbance at the Town Center Apartments at about 3:20 a.m. A suspect began shooting at the officers after they got out of their car, wounding one officer and fatally shooting Oberheim, according to police.

The suspect, who the Champaign County Coroner's Office identified as 24-year-old Darion Lafayette, was pronounced dead at the scene and both officers were taken to a local hospital, where Oberheim later died, officials said in a statement.

Lafayette was pronounced dead at around 6:40 a.m. at the scene of the shooting, the 2400 block of North Neil Street. Officer Oberheim was pronounced dead at 6:03 a.m. at a local hospital from a gunshot wound he received during the incident.

The Illinois State Police will now lead the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from Urbana police, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and the University of Illinois Police Department.

May 9 to 15 was National Police week, which recognizes law enforcement and pays tribute to fallen officers. During police week, Illinois law enforcement remembered the three officers who had been killed in the line of duty in 2021.

Oberheim's death brings the total to four Illinois officers killed on duty this year.

Related: Chief Of Police Anthony Cobb Issues Statement On Fallen Officer

Champaign police said Oberheim joined the department in 2008.

"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 department said.