Urbana Police Chief Clarifies Details of Traffic Stop Incident that Led to Officer Fainting

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana Police Chief shed new light on an incident from earlier this week where a traffic stop led to an officer losing consciousness.

Monday morning near South Vine Street, officers were conducting a traffic stop when one of them came into contact with an unknown substance that caused him to pass out. Six officers were taken to the hospital to be evaluated.

But not everyone was convinced that information is true.

They’ve taken to social media questioning what the substance was and if the officer even fainted. WCIA sat down with Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone to hear directly from him. He’s not only setting the record straight, but he has a message for critics of his department.

“It’s unsettling to see or to at least hear about some of the comments on social media,” Boone said.

He said he visited Carle Hospital the morning of the incident.

“Seeing six of my officers in the hospital bed in uniform is alarming as well,” Boone said.

Boone said that all six officers — including the one who passed out — are doing well. The department said they are stilling trying to figure out what substance could have caused the reaction.

“That’s still being investigated by folks that are subject matter experts on that,” Boone said.

Boone did say that whatever it was, it was serious.

“Officer was given Narcan multiple rounds and it was, touch and go,” Boone said.

One of the questions being asked on social media is whether or not the toxicology reports will be released.

“In this particular case, I wouldn’t have a problem releasing whatever the substance was,” Boone said,

The investigation is still ongoing, so it will have to wait until that concludes. Others are wondering whether this was the department’s attempt to try and cover up an illegal search and seizure.

“I’ve served in investigative services in terms of internal affairs for 15 years,” Boone said. “So I’ve seen some things. But that is not what we have right now.”

At this point, he said the public doesn’t need to be worried.

“The best that we can tell right now, the concern is isolated,” Boone said.

He added that if they find anything different, they’ll let the community know.

Even though critics can sometimes be the loudest, Boone said he’s heard plenty of positive feedback from people as well.

“I understand their suspicions at times, but until we showed to do something that’s not on the up and up or not professional or, lying. Please give us the benefit of the doubt,” Boone said.

Urbana Police said they arrested both 51-year-old Chane Butler and 35-year-old Brianna Holloway. Both were charged with possession of controlled substances, and Holloway was charged with obstructing a peace officer, too.