Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Man jailed until trial for shooting during robbery attempt in Urbana
A Champaign man, Joseph Hoosier, has been ordered jailed until his trial on charges that he allegedly shot another person while trying to rob them of cash and cannabis in December. The incident took place in Urbana, where Champaign County Judge Brett Olmstead issued the ruling after Hoosier was arraigned on charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Background of the incident
The incident involved the owner of an out-of-state cannabis dispensary who was visiting Champaign on December 22 to spend the holidays with family. During his visit, he met someone who suggested he provide free cannabis samples, which he declined. Later, he drove to Mahomet to meet a friend.
Hoosier, along with two others, believed the man was traveling with a large amount of cannabis and cash and followed him to Mahomet. Surveillance footage obtained by the police showed Hoosier and the two others arriving outside the victim’s friend’s house in Mahomet, where they approached the victim and grabbed him from behind.
Details of the shooting
The victim was able to free himself and get into his vehicle, but Hoosier allegedly shot at him twice while he was escaping, hitting him in the side. The victim managed to call his daughter and went to a hospital for treatment. He later identified Hoosier as the shooter from a blind photo array.
Two people who were with the victim in Mahomet corroborated hearing two gunshots, and police found two bullet casings outside. Surveillance footage also captured Hoosier attempting to hide a gun outside an outdoor supply store, only to pick it back up after noticing the camera.
Legal proceedings and potential sentence
Before Hoosier was located, the two other men involved were arrested and both identified Hoosier as the shooter. Judge Olmstead took into account Hoosier’s fiancé’s medical condition, upcoming job interviews, and lack of violent convictions in the past 10 years. However, he highlighted Hoosier’s history of six prior prison sentences.
If convicted, Hoosier faces six to 30 years in prison for aggravated battery with a firearm, a Class X felony. The vehicles used by the three suspects were identified through license-plate readers, aiding in the investigation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in criminal activities and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. The legal proceedings will determine the outcome for Hoosier, as he awaits his trial behind bars.
.