URBANA, Ill. — The Champaign County Coroner has identified the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run crash early Saturday morning in Urbana as 22-year-old Perry Lee. Lee was pronounced dead at 9:44 a.m. at Carle Hospital.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Green Street and Mathews Avenue. According to preliminary investigations, a red Buick was traveling the wrong way on southbound Mathews Avenue at a high rate of speed when it collided with a University of Illinois Police officer’s squad car. The impact caused the vehicle to spin onto the sidewalk, where it struck a group of five pedestrians preparing to cross. Lee was among those hit and sustained life-threatening injuries.
Both the U of I police officer and Lee were transported to Carle Hospital. The officer was treated for minor injuries and is in stable condition. The driver of the red Buick fled the scene on foot and has not yet been located.
Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams expressed his condolences, stating:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a community member in this tragic incident. On behalf of the City of Urbana, I extend heartfelt condolences to Perry Lee’s family, friends, and loved ones. I also thank the first responders and medical professionals who worked tirelessly following the crash.”
The Urbana Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit, with assistance from the U of I Police Department and Illinois State Police, continues to investigate. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact Urbana Police at 217-384-2320 or Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at 373tips.com or via the P3 Tips app.
Crime Stoppers is offering rewards for tips that lead to arrests related to this incident: $5,000 for homicide cases, $2,500 for felony firearm crimes, and up to $1,000 for other crimes.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Perry Lee as investigators work to locate the driver and bring accountability in this tragic case.