Decatur man arrested for sexual assault in Urbana

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WAND)- A Decatur man was taken into custody by the Urbana Police Department after reportedly sexually assaulting a woman Monday morning.

Police say the female victim arrived at the station around 11:31 a.m., after initially reporting the incident to the University of Illinois Police. Due to the incident's location, the matter was referred to the Urbana Police Department.

Urbana police officers met with the victim, who said that the assault had occurred immediately prior to her arrival at the police station.

According to the victim, while exiting her apartment building, she observed a male subject loitering in the vicinity. As she passed the subject's location, he attacked her from behind, covering her head with a piece of clothing, forcibly moving her to a more secluded area, and then sexually assaulted her.

The victim told officers that the suspect was likely captured on a nearby surveillance camera. Upon reviewing the surveillance video, officers obtained images of the suspect, which were subsequently shared with area law enforcement agencies.

A University of Illinois police officer identified the male suspect as 28-year-old Decatur resident Lamar D. Phillips. After a records search revealed a vehicle associated with Phillips, that description was broadcast locally.

An Urbana police sergeant located the vehicle near Lincoln Square Mall at approximately 1:30 p.m. and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

Police pursued the vehicle for a few blocks before Phillips abandoned the vehicle and began running on foot towards the area of Oregon and Cedar Streets.

Phillips was apprehended by two Urbana police officers in a backyard in the 200 block of West Nevada at 1:48 p.m.

Police said Phillips, fought with officers until a University of Illinois police officer tased him. He was taken into custody and transported to the Champaign County Satellite Jail on preliminary charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault, fleeing and eluding, and resisting a peace officer.

Phillips was remanded to the custody of correctional staff.

Urbana Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-384-2320.

Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-TIPS (217-373-8477); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.