OHIO — Two people suffered serious injuries after a hit-and-run driver struck a downed tree in Stark County over the weekend, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash happened around 10:37 p.m. May 23 on Hudson Drive east of Beth Avenue in Bethlehem Township.
According to OSHP, 21-year-old Dustin Sweet of Canton had stopped after encountering a downed tree blocking the roadway. A second vehicle carrying 79-year-old Gregory Cutchert and 69-year-old Janet Ellis, both of Navarre, also stopped at the scene.
While the three people were standing near the tree, troopers said an unknown vehicle traveling east on Hudson Drive struck the tree and continued driving away.
Investigators said the impact pushed the tree into the three people, knocking them to the ground.
Sweet suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Erie Valley Fire and EMS.
Cutchert and Ellis suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
OSHP said the suspect vehicle may be a small, light-colored four-door sedan, possibly white, silver or gray.
Anyone with information about the driver or vehicle is asked to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol Canton Post at 330-433-6200.
The crash remains under investigation.
