U of I student shot by police said to be armed with air pellet pistol

Posted on July 14, 2018

By Howard Packowitz

CHAMPAIGN – Authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting near the University of Illinois say the man shot by police Thursday evening was carrying a Beretta air pellet pistol, which looks like a real handgun.

A news release from the university U of I student Samuel Applebaum of Flossmoor remained hospitalized Friday afternoon at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Investigators say two campus police officers and a Champaign County Sheriff’s Deputy all fired at Applebaum when he ignored commands to drop the weapon.
Applebaum was shot in the leg.

U of I Police Chief Craig Stone and Champaign County Sheriff Dan Walsh believe their officers acted correctly and within their departments’ training and protocols.

All three officers remain on administrative leave, which is standard protocol for such cases. Illinois State Police are continuing the investigation.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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