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Alleged driver who fled scene of fatal crash in Jackson Township last year arrested

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JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A man sought in connection with a fatal crash that happened last year in Jackson Township has been arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.

According to the Jackson Township Police Department, Mario Donald Lerario was arrested on March 11 in Atlantic City. He was extradited to Ohio on Friday and is currently being held in the Stark County Jail on a slew of charges.

Larario is charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide; stopping after accident; selling, purchasing, distributing dangerous drug; tampering with evidence; forgery; identity fraud and operating a vehicle impaired, police said.

The crash happened on Nov. 21, 2020, near Woodland Avenue and Woodlawn Circle NW in Jackson Township. Police say Lerario was driving nearly 100 mph at the time of the crash. Abigail O. Vanest, 23, of Canton, died as a result of the crash. Following the incident, Larario allegedly fled the scene.

Authorities said another person, Jessica Lee Alexandra Taylor, of Minerva, was also arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Atlantic City in connection with the crash. She’s accused of allegedly “assisting Mr. Lerario with fleeing the area after the incident.” She was extradited to Ohio along with Lerario. She is being held in the Stark County Jail on felony obstructing justice and tampering with evidence charges.

A third person is also facing charges. Police say Elias Timothy Eberly, of Akron, has been charged with complicity to identity fraud and complicity to forgery, both felony charges. Authorities didn't provide specifics regarding how Eberly is allegedly involved with the case.

RELATED: 23-year-old woman dies after Jackson Township crash, police searching for driver who fled from scene

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