A parade led by a coffin bearing the body of a slain police officer drove across central Illinois.
The event occurred on Thursday, giving hundreds to pay their respects to him. Law enforcement agencies and other first responders accompanied the body of Chris Oberheim, 44, Champaign Police officer. They took the body through several cities, starting from Champaign passing through Monticello, where he lived. Finally, ending at a funeral home in Decatur, where Oberheim began his law enforcement career.
People lined Bridge Street to show respect to their neighbour in Monticello. Superintendent of the Monticello School District Vic Zimmerman made a statement on his impact on people’s lives. He said that Oberheim was involved in the lives of his four daughters, out of all three are still attend the Monticello schools.
Mr Zimmerman’s statement
Police officers, firefighters and other first responder put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety. They are all there in our difficult times and when we need them. But their work is not often appreciated, said Mr Zimmerman while making a statement.
Chris Oberheim was early on killed Wednesday during a shootout at an apartment complex. Officers had gone there in order to respond to a domestic disturbance. In the encounter, the suspect was armed with a weapon.
Another officer was wounded while taking action against the suspect. The 24-year old suspect Darion Marquise Lafayette was killed in the encounter. Also, Champaign County court records show that Lafayette had previous arrests for drug possession and domestic violence.
Officer Jeffrey Cereel has been identified as the second Champaign officer, but unlike Oberheim, he has survived his wounds. He was shot three times but has been released from the hospital.
Chris started his career in 2000 at the Decatur police department and was transferred to Champaign in 2008.
After the death of officer Chris Oberheim, a woman from Monticello initiated a charity to help the officer’s family. She started selling t-shirts to support the cause, and the people over the country have shown the same.
Also, just in few days, people from all over-ordered around 500 shirts from her. Hence, raising around $10,000 for the family of the officer.
