Champaign Police responded to the 500 block of N. Market Street at 6:03 p.m. on March 4, 2025, following a report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic crash. On-scene, officers quickly located a 58-year-old man with severe injuries and began to administer medical aid with assistance from the Champaign Fire Department until he could be transported to an area hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, the man’s injuries proved to be too severe, and he passed away.
The vehicle involved in the crash was not on-scene when officers arrived, and Champaign Police immediately shut down traffic in the 500 block of N. Market Street to conduct a thorough investigation for hit-and-run. Later, at 7:45 p.m., 36-year-old Fernando Lorenzo-Raymundo arrived at the Champaign Police Department to speak with officers about his involvement as the driver of the vehicle in the crash. Following an interview, Lorenzo-Raymundo was issued citations for driving with a suspended license, driving with no insurance, and leaving the scene of a crash before being arrested for leaving the scene of a fatal accident. His vehicle was impounded. The 500 block of N. Market Street remained closed until approximately midnight, when it was reopened to regular traffic.
Even though an arrest has been made, the investigation continues. Any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance camera systems is encouraged to notify the police department. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Citizens are reminded that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are routed to a third-party national call center that receives your information, completes a tips information form, and then passes the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.