Man arrested in sexual abuse of woman at off-campus Champaign apartment

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - A man has been arrested in connection with the sexual abuse of a woman at an off-campus apartment in Champaign, University of Illinois Police said.

The Division of Public Safety’s new Real-Time Information Center helped UIPD detectives find key evidence that led to the arrest of the suspect, 18-year-old Pedro Nolasco-Martin of Champaign.

At 1:49 a.m. Saturday, March 1, a UIPD officer was called to an off-campus apartment in the 900 block of South First Street, Champaign, for reports of a sexual assault.

Police said a suspect followed a woman into her apartment building and sexually abused her. The survivor fought back against the suspect, and he fled the scene.

RTIC analysts and UIPD detectives used the Milestone XProtect® video management software, AXON and Flock License Plate Readers and the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System to get information regarding a possible suspect vehicle.

On Thursday, March 6, UIPD patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle in the sexual abuse case. The driver initially provided officers with false information but was later identified. He was placed under arrest for obstructing justice.

UIPD detectives interviewed him regarding the March 1 off-campus sexual abuse and said they got information implicating him in the sexual abuse.

The Champaign County State’s Attorney has charged the suspect with one count of criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault and burglary.

He was arraigned on March 7 and released pending trial.