CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois Police Department is investigating after a Campustown bar was robbed at gunpoint Friday morning.

The robbery happened at Joe’s Brewery on Fifth and Green streets. UIPD officials said that at 1 a.m., the department received a report of an armed robbery at the bar and an officer was on the scene within a minute. The suspect had fled by that time.

Bar employees told the officer a man entered the building through an exit and pointed a gun at three employees, one of whom was standing near a cash register. The man took money from the register and fled through the same door he had entered. No shots were fired and no one was injured.

Three arrested, one on the run after fleeing traffic stop in Champaign

The robbery prompted an Illini Alert that was sent to all students, faculty and staff at 1:05 a.m. UIPD officers searched the area for the suspect, but he was never found. A subsequent Illini alert sent at 1:51 a.m. indicated that the suspect was believed to have left the area and was safe to resume regular activities around Joe.

Investigators are reviewing security camera footage and data from automatic license plate readers for additional evidence. They are also looking for photographs and footage recorded by witnesses.

Anyone with such photos or videos, or any other information related to the robbery, is asked to contact the UIPD at 217-333-1216. Alternatively, witnesses can remain anonymous by sending a tip to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 or by visiting their website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, go to WCIA.com.