Investigators say that drugs and alcohol played a factor in a deadly two-car crash in Plain Township early Wednesday morning.
According to the report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Michael D. Elsass, 26, of North Canton, drove through a red light at a high rate of speed around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday. He struck a Chrysler Town and Country, driven by Lawrence E. Dobbins. After the collision, Elsass's Chevy Malibu ran off the side of Cleveland Avenue and into a a group of trees along the roadway.
When Highway Patrol and EMS arrived on the scene, Elsass was pronounced dead on the scene. Neith Dobbins nor his passenger, Lynda Dobbins, were injured in the accident.
Highway Patrol investigators from the Canton Post believe that drugs and alcohol played a factor in the deadly crash. The investigation is ongoing.
A 29-year-old woman was killed in an early morning crash in Lake Township.
Troopers with the Canton Post of the State Highway Patrol report that Sarah Ullom, 29, of North Canton, drove off the left side of Cleveland Avenue in Lake Township shortly before 2 a.m. The vehicle hit a wooden utility pole and then struck a parked car.
Ullom was taken from the scene by Greentown Fire to Mercy Medical Center where she later died of her injuries.
Troopers do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash and said Ullom was wearing her seat belt.