Booker T. Washington STEM Academy, nearby townhouses hit by gunfire

(WAND) - Booker T. Washington STEM Academy was placed on lockdown Tuesday after it was hit by gunfire.

The Urbana Police Department had investigated a shooting that happened before 10 a.m. in the 1400 block of Eads Street.

The shots hit no one. However, nearby townhouses at Hamilton on the Park and Booker T. Washington STEM Academy were both struck by gunfire.

Unit 4 told WAND News that several shots had struck the building. The district added that there were students in PE class who might have seen one of the windows shatter. Those students were sent back to their classrooms and the gym was closed off.

Ten to 15 shots in all were fired. Urbana PD said no one at the school was the intended target. They are not sure whether the target was associated with the townhouses.

Booker T. Washington Academy was initially put on lockdown, which was later lifted.

Citizens in the area reported seeing a dark-colored SUV leave the area quickly following the gunfire.

An investigation indicated that a similarly described SUV was seen with three unidentified people getting out of the vehicle before the gunfire and returned after the shots were fired, police said.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone in the area at the time of the shooting who may have surveillance footage or other information should contact the Urbana Police Department.

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