lawrence

Methuen Fatal Hit-and-Run-Suspect Arrested

A suspect has been arrested in Thursday's hit-and-run death of an 11-year-old in Methuen, Massachusetts.

According to local authorities, 22-year-old Steven Toro, of Lawrence, Mass. is in custody Saturday evening after being apprehended at his home at 69 Newburry Street in Lawrence.

Toro is charged with motor vehicle homicide, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident resulting in death, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, among other charges.

Jaydee Soto died in the hospital after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Broadway, near Kirk Street, with her father at 9:45 p.m. on Thursday evening.

The impact of the car hitting Soto knocked the child into the path of an oncoming car in the opposite direction.

Authorities said that Toro made no attempt to stop his car after the crash.

At a press conference on Saturday night, Methuen's Field Operations Bureau Captain Randy Haggar said that a tip from a member of the public is what led to Toro's arrest within 48 hours.

"When a child is involved ... it's personal for all of us," said Haggar.

Haggar said that Toro's vehicle was recovered and had sustained damage to the front ot it consisten with the evidence recovered at the scene.

Toro is being held on $100,000 bail and will be arraigned on Monday in Lawrence District Court.

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