URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A Rantoul man was arrested Monday evening in connection with a fatal traffic crash that occurred earlier this month in Urbana. James L. Buford, 31, faces charges of reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
The crash took place on December 20th, 2025, around 2:13 a.m. at the intersection of Green Street and Mathews Avenue. While the identity of the victim has not been released, the crash resulted in one fatality. After fleeing the scene, Buford was apprehended by Urbana Police Detectives on December 29th, 2025, at approximately 6:08 p.m.
The Urbana Police Department urges anyone with information related to the crash to come forward. Tips can be submitted confidentially to Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-TIPS (217-373-8477) or online at 373tips.com.