URBANA – Police searched for the person who caused a wrong-way collision in Urbana early Saturday morning that killed a pedestrian and injured a police officer.
In a press release, officers said a red Buick Verano was speeding the wrong way on Mathews Avenue when it hit a University of Illinois police squad car on Green Street. The collision happened around 2:13 a.m. on Saturday.
The vehicle then spun off the roadway onto the northeast corner of the intersection, where five pedestrians were preparing to cross the street.
Emergency crews transported the officer and pedestrian to the hospital.
The pedestrian died from their injuries at CARLE Hospital later on Saturday. The Champaign County Coroner identified the victim as 22-year-old Perry Lee.
A news release on Saturday afternoon said the officer was treated for minor injuries.
The Urbana Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit is leading the investigation, with assistance from the University of Illinois Police Department and the Illinois State Police.
Police said the driver fled the scene on foot. As of Saturday evening, they have not been located. Police asked for the public’s help in locating them.
People with information on submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-TIPS (217-373-8477); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.