Community mourns Champaign officer killed in the line of duty
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS/WCCU) — The Champaign and Monticello communities are mourning the loss of a Champaign Police Officer killed while on duty Wednesday morning.
Champaign Police Chief Anthony Cobb says Officer Chris Oberheim, 44, passed away due to injuries from the shooting at Town Center Apartments while on duty.
RELATED: Champaign officer dies after early morning shooting
Officers were called to the apartment complex around 3:24 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance.
When the two officers got out of their vehicle, they were approached by an armed and exchanged gunfire.
The suspect was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.
We're told the other officer injured in the shooting is stable.
Officer Oberheim was more than just a member of the police force.
Oberheim was a father for four.
He is the father of four daughters, three of which are currently students in the Monticello School District.
Monticello School District Superintendent Vic Zimmerman issued the following statement:
It is with deep sadness that we process the news of the passing of Chris Oberheim while working as a Champaign Police Officer early this morning. Chris was a parent in our school district and was very involved in the lives of his four daughters, three of which currently attend our schools. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Police Officers, Firefighters, and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to ensure that the rest of us are safe - they are there when we need them during our most difficult times and are often not appreciated for their daily work. Tragedies like this bring out the best in all of us as we rally around them and their families during difficult times. The Monticello School District, the City of Monticello, and all of Officer Oberheim's fellow officers will rally around the Oberheim Family during this time. RIP 703.
We're told the National Fallen Officer Foundation will be assisting Officer Oberheim's family financially in the coming days.
"Another one of heaven's heroes gone way too soon," wrote Chaplain Ron Leonard with the National Fallen Officer Foundation.
Under the "Direct Support Initiative," supporters can donate directly to any specific officer-support initiative. Simply enter the specific initiative, officers' name and/or the related crisis and we will make the connection with the officer or family to issue the support.
