The coroner has released the identity of a 68-year-old man who was found dead inside a car that was engulfed in flames at a Walmart in Crystal Lake.
The Crystal Lake Police Department and Crystal Lake Fire and Rescue Department were dispatched to the Walmart, located at 1205 Route 31, around 5:38 a.m. Thursday on a report of a vehicle fire.
Crystal Lake Police Deputy Chief Richard Newman said multiple witnesses reported there were people in the vehicle.
Passersby tried to help the person out of the car.
Newman said efforts to put the fire out were unsuccessful due to the intensity of the fire.
Fire crews arrived on scene to report a vehicle fully engulfed in flames on the south side of the parking lot.
Newman said the suspect was inside the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene after the fire was extinguished.
Paramedics treated one bystander at the scene, who refused to be taken to hospital.
Fire investigators, police detectives and the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene and conducted the investigation.
The McHenry County Coroner's Office was also notified and responded.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Lane on Tuesday identified the victim as 68-year-old Hal Manta, of no fixed address.
The cause or manner of the manta's death has not been released.
Newman said the incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office, Crystal Lake Fire and Rescue Department and Crystal Lake Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at 815-356-3620.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the Crystal Lake Police Department by texting the word “CLPDTIP” along with the report information to 847411.