UIPD concludes investigation into Jan. 20 student death
URBANA, Illinois – The University of Illinois Police Department has concluded that the Jan. 20 death of a student was accidental and has worked to take remedial actions. Akul Dhawan, 18, was found deceased in the 1200 block of West Nevada Street, Urbana, just after 11 a.m. Jan. 20. The Champaign County Coroner later ruled that the cause of death was hypothermia, with acute alcohol intoxication being a contributing factor. Mr. Dhawan had gotten separated from his friends the night before, when air temperatures were around zero degrees Fahrenheit with -15 degree wind chills. The University of Illinois Police Department [...]
Fake art project
A U. of I. student reported being the victim of an internet-based scam in April. The student was contacted via the chat feature on the website Deviant Art by someone purporting to be an artist who wanted to use one of the student's drawings as inspiration in exchange for credit and compensation. After allowing his work to be used, the conversation moved to the communications app Discord, where the student was asked for his banking information, which he provided. After receiving a check via email, the student was asked to send money via Zelle and PayPal. These checks and deposits [...]
Counterfeit Facebook purchase
A U. of I. student used Facebook to sell a mobile phone and was contacted by an interested buyer. The two met up to complete the transaction, and the buyer drove away with the phone before the student realized that he had been paid with counterfeit money.
False threats
A U. of I. student reported that he received several phone calls and text messages from an unknown person who was threatening to harm the student's family members unless the student sent money. The student used Zelle to send $3,000 in two transactions to an unknown person. The scammer demanded even more money to "cancel the hit man." Police were contacted, and the student discontinued contact with the scammer.
Officers promote security and positivity with student-athletes
BOSTON – When the Fighting Illini men’s basketball team takes the court Thursday night in a Sweet 16 matchup, there will be two sets of extra eyes and ears in the crowd looking out for the safety of the players, coaches and fans. University of Illinois Police Department Assistant Chief Joe McCullough and Lieutenant James Carter have been working with the team since 2021, when the Division of Public Safety partnered with the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics to enhance the safety of its football and basketball programs. Officer Chris Williams works as the safety liaison with the Fighting Illini football [...]