WAYNE TOWNSHIP — A Creston man was killed and a Wooster woman seriously injured after a Saturday morning crash in Wayne County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities said Douglas D. Arnold, 65, of Creston, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Melisa C. Taylor, 44, of Wooster, was transported via life flight to Akron City Hospital with serious injuries. Rodney R. Roper, 44, of Wooster, was transported to Wooster Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Patrol stated that drugs are suspected be to a contributing factor in this crash. The two-vehicle incident occurred at approximately 8:38 a.m. on Ohio 3 at County Road 78 in Wayne Township.
According to the Patrol, Roper was operating a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. Taylor was his front-seat passenger. Arnold was operating a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado.Â
Initial investigation revealed Roper was westbound on County Road 78 approaching the intersection of Ohio 3. Arnold was southbound on Ohio 3. Roper failed to stop at the posted stop sign, entered the intersection from County Road 78 and was struck by Arnold. The 2002 Chevrolet traveled off the southwest portion of the intersection and struck a house. The 1997 Chevrolet came to rest on the southwest corner of the intersection.
The Patrol stated Taylor was wearing a seatbelt but Arnold was not. It was not determined if Roper was wearing a seatbelt.
Assisting on scene were Wooster City EMS, Central Fire and EMS, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Wooster City Police Department, North End Garage, and the Wayne County Coroner Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Unit.
This crash remains under investigation.
