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Wounded Officer Out Of Hospital; Funeral Plans Set For Slain Colleague

Champaign Police Officer Jeffrey Creel, who was wounded early Wednesday, during the say domestic disturbance call in which fellow Officer Jeff Oberheim was killed.
  • Photo: Champaign Police Department

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign Police Officer Jeffrey Creel has been released from the hospital, after being wounded by gunfire during the domestic disturbance call, in which fellow Officer Chris Oberheim was killed.

Meanwhile, a Decatur funeral home says Oberheim’s funeral will be held next week. Graceland-Fairlawn Funeral Home announced on its website that services will be held at Maranatha Assembly of God Church, 555 West Imboden in Decatur. The visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, from 1 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held Wednesday, May 26 at 11 a.m.

Champaign Police released Creel’s name on Friday. A news release says he is recovering, after being shot three times during an exchange of gunfire with an armed suspect early Wednesday in the 2400 block of North Neil Street. The exchange fatally wounded Officer Oberheim. The suspect, Darion Lafayette of Champaign, also died.

An investigation continues into the incident, and Champaign Police say they will provide new information as it becomes available.

(This article has been updated to show 11 a.m. as the correct time for Officer Oberheim’s funeral – JM 5/23/21)

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Jim Meadows

Jim Meadows

Jim Meadows has been covering local news for WILL Radio since 2000, with occasional periods as local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered and a stint hosting WILL's old Focus talk show. He was previously a reporter at public radio station WCBU in Peoria.

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