This is an updated release concerning the tragic crash at University Avenue and Coler Avenue on January 19, 2025, at approximately 1:55 AM.
Today, January 22, 2025, at 9:26 AM, the United States Marshals Service based in Dallas, Texas, successfully apprehended Juan Jahaziel Saenz-Suarez. Saenz-Suarez, a 27-year-old Mexican national residing in Urbana, Illinois, was identified as the driver of the red Mitsubishi Outlander responsible for the fatal crash.
His capture took place in Milford, Texas, roughly an hour south of Dallas, as he was attempting to flee the country aboard an El Expreso bus bound for Matamoros, Mexico.
Following intensive investigative efforts by the Urbana Police Department, an arrest warrant was issued for Saenz-Suarez on January 20, 2025. The Champaign County warrant charges him with Reckless Homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal injury crash.
This warrant was a critical step toward justice for the victims of the crash, Chloe Polzin and Katherine Abraham, whose lives were tragically cut short. Several passengers in the Honda Civic they occupied were also injured when the vehicle, either slowing or stopped at the traffic signal, was struck by Saenz-Suarez’s speeding Mitsubishi Outlander.
The US Marshals Service played a pivotal role in tracking and apprehending Saenz-Suarez. Utilizing advanced technological resources, they were able to pinpoint his location and intercept his escape attempt.
This collaboration between the Urbana Police Department and the US Marshals Service underscores the value of interagency cooperation in apprehending fugitives and delivering justice.
Urbana Police Chief Larry D. Boone expressed his gratitude for this partnership, stating, “This type of partnership is essential to local law enforcement, and I would like to thank the women and men of the Urbana Police Department and the US Marshals Service for their efforts in capturing Saenz-Suarez.”
The tragedy has left the Urbana community mourning the loss of two cherished lives. Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin extended her heartfelt sympathies, remarking, “On behalf of the City of Urbana, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends affected by this horrible event.”
The crash has highlighted the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the critical need for accountability in such cases. While the apprehension of Saenz-Suarez represents a significant step toward justice, the community continues to grieve the loss of two promising lives and supports those who were injured.
