The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-skip crash in Bethlehem Township that left three people injured, including one man in critical condition, after a vehicle struck a downed tree that pedestrians were attempting to move from the roadway.
The crash happened at approximately 10:37 p.m. Saturday, May 23, in the 4800 block of Hudson Drive SW in Navarre.
According to investigators, Dustin Sweet, 21, of Canton, was attempting to move a tree that had fallen into the roadway when Gregory Cutcher, 79, and Janet Ellis, 69, both of Navarre, stopped to help him.
Authorities said a vehicle traveling eastbound on Hudson Drive then struck the downed tree, causing it to hit the three pedestrians.
Cutcher suffered serious injuries and was transported to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Ellis also suffered serious injuries and was taken to Aultman Hospital for treatment.
Sweet sustained minor injuries.
The driver involved did not remain at the scene, and no arrests have been made. The crash remains under investigation.
Lt. Johnnie Maier, commander of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Canton Post, told Jordan Miller News that investigators currently do not have a description or photograph of the suspect vehicle.
“We’re hoping someone who knows something comes forward with information regarding this incident,” Maier said.
Authorities said the roadway was wet at the time of the crash. Maier added that it’s unclear if the driver who continued driving after the accident was aware there were people injured in the incident.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Canton Post.
