Cobb reveals new details of traffic stop shooting

Champaign's police chief said an officer probably saved the life of a man who pointed a gun to his own head during a routine traffic stop last week on the city's north side.

Chief Anthony Cobb revealed more information Monday on A Penny for Your Thoughts on WDWS about the traffic stop that occurred early last Wednesday at Sixth and Bradley.

Cobb said squad car video shows that the 20 year-old driver pulled a gun and pointed it at his own head while the officer stood less than a foot from the man.  In reaction, Cobb said the officer struggled with the man, and the gun fired a single round, striking the driver.

Cobb revealed that the officer involved is veteran Sgt. Geoff Coon.  Cobb said it doesn't appear the man intended to hurt the officer, only himself. He said the steps Sgt. Coon took to protect the man and himself probably saved the man's life.

Cobb said the police department is not revealing the identity of the driver or the extent of his injuries due to his mental state. But Cobb did say the man was released from the hospital over the weekend.  He had said last week that it appeared the man had consumed alcohol.

Cobb says Sgt. Coon did not use his weapon.  Coon was also injured but was treated and released from the hospital. Cobb declined to give details of the officer's injuries.  He said Sgt. Coon is on paid administrative leave according to departmental policy.  

A multijurisditional team and the department continue to investigate the incident.  Cobb hopes lab results and the investigations will be complete in a few weeks.