North Canton Man Suspected in Plain Township Fatal Hit-and-Run

Stark County Sheriff's officials arrested a North Canton man suspected of causing a fatal crash in Plain Township Monday night. 

Paul A. Newton, 48, of North Canton, was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, reckless operation and a headlight violation. Those charges came before officials learned of the death of Sondra L. Oldfield, 71, of Canton.

Here's the account sheriff's officials give of the crash:

Newton was speeding while traveling west on Easton Street in a 2000 Ford F-650 truck with no headlights on just after 9:30 p.m. Monday. He hit the left side of Oldfield's 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, which was turning westbound on Easton Street from Pine Tree Avenue.

The collision caused both cars to stop on Easton Street facing northbound.

The Stark County Sheriff's Office and Plain Township Fire Department responded to the crash. Witnesses directed deputies as Newton ran from the scene.

Deputies caught up and arrested Newton, who was then taken to Aultman Hospital for injuries.

Fire officials had to extricate Oldfield from her car. She was taken to Mercy Medical Center, where she died early this morning.

Oldfield's passenger, Elyjah D. Gourick, 6, of Canton, was also taken to Mercy Medical Center. Both were wearing their seatbelts.

Check back with North Canton Patch for more updates to this breaking news story.