Two arrested for allegedly robbing Champaign convenience store at gunpoint

Sam Lisec, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
·2 min read
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Apr. 23—CHAMPAIGN — Champaign police arrested two 19-year-olds on Tuesday for allegedly robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in the early morning hours.

Champaign police were dispatched to a business in the 1200 block of North Mattis Avenue for a report of an armed robbery at midnight Tuesday.

On scene, officers learned that two men had robbed the business at gunpoint before fleeing on foot. During the robbery, one man held the clerks at gunpoint while the second man served as a lookout, police said.

No one was injured in this incident and the men took an unknown amount of cash.

Police immediately initiated a K9 track-and-canvass of the area for witnesses and video evidence. Officers located the men leaving a home in the 1400 block of Holly Hill Drive at 12:49 a.m. and conducted a traffic stop.

Investigators then authored a search warrant for the house on Holly Hill Drive.

The search warrant was served at 7:11 a.m. with assistance from CPD's SWAT team. While searching the home, investigators allegedly located evidence related to the robbery scene on Mattis.

As a result, Champaign police arrested Randy C. Copeland, 19, of Chicago, and Travon Gibson, 19, of Hammond, Ind., on initial charges including armed robbery and unlawful use of weapons.

Police continue to canvass the surrounding area for witnesses and video footage that may be of investigative assistance.

Any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance camera systems is encouraged to notify police.

Police also ask that anyone with additional information contact them at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at ; or via the "P3 Tips" mobile app.