Urbana, IL – Urbana Police have arrested a Rantoul man in connection with a fatal crash earlier this month near the University of Illinois campus.
According to the Urbana Police Department, 31-year-old James L. Buford of Rantoul was arrested on December 29, 2025, following a weeklong investigation into a December 20 fatal crash at the intersection of Green Street and Mathews Avenue in Urbana.
Police said Buford faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, reckless homicide, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim.
The department emphasized that Buford is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (8477), 373tips.com, or through the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards up to $5,000 for tips leading to arrests in homicide cases, $2,500 for felony firearm crimes, and $1,000 for other cases.
This investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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