Residents of an Urbana neighborhood were surprised by a sudden law enforcement presence on their street over the weekend.

According to information from Urbana police, at 3:50 p.m. Saturday, May 14, police were told a despondent male with suicidal thoughts had said he planned to harm himself. This was first reported by a family member to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, which responded to the man’s home, 116 Orchard Drive, and notified Urbana police of the call.

Initially, an Urbana police supervisor used the police radio public address system to give directions to the man inside the home to peacefully surrender. The 29-year old man initially went outside, but refused to comply with the commands of the on-scene police supervisor. Telephone contact with the man was established, and he agreed to exit the home and surrender to officers.

Police found the man had a loaded AR-15 rifle out inside the home, along with several bullets and personal items associated with what he was distressed about. These items were taken into police custody for safe-keeping. The man, Travis Pearson, reportedly had been drinking and appeared intoxicated. He was taken to the Tri-County Jail on the following charges:

·Minor Misdemeanor – Disorderly Conduct

·1st degree Misdemeanor – Inducing Panic

·1st degree Misdemeanor – Using Weapons While Intoxicated

He made his initial appearance in Champaign Municipal Court on Monday morning.