Two University of Illinois students stabbed off campus

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Two University of Illinois students were stabbed early Friday off campus, University of Illinois Police say.

At 1:54 a.m., police were called to the 100 block of East Green Street in Champaign.

Two victims were found in an alleyway. One had a superficial stab wound, and the other had multiple stab wounds to the abdomen.

The students said they had been involved in a verbal argument with three people prior to the stabbings.

The suspects ran away. University Police officers searched the area but could not find them.

The students were taken by ambulance to a local hospital. The injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

Students in the campus community said they were shocked, but not surprised.

"I was shocked, but I feel like I see at least every two weeks I get a text that something bad that happened here. Like someone with a gun or a stabbing. Like it's just sad," said David Flores, UIUC student.

"You know getting the text was kind of shocking but like David said I feel like it happens kind of often," said Raven Collins, UIUC student. "But I feel like the most shocking part we were just in the area."

The incident prompted an Illini-Alert emergency notification that was sent to all UIUC students, faculty and staff.

Despite the alert, student Abby Allen said she was still concerned. With minimal details in the alert, she didn't know what to do next.

"I think it's just really concerning, and I think sometimes there's just a lack of information," said Allen. "Like obviously we hear about it and we get a short text, but it's really only a sentence long. And it doesn't really give us details if we should be taking even more precaution."

The investigation is ongoing. Investigators have obtained security camera footage from local businesses and will be seeking additional video.

University Police ask that anyone with information contact police by calling 217-333-1216 or emailing police@illinois.edu. Witnesses may remain anonymous by calling Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (373-TIPS), by visiting www.373tips.com or by providing information through the P3 Tips mobile app available on iOS and Android.