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NEGLEY -- An investigation into the fatal accident that claimed the life of a Salem teenager has found speed to be one of the factors that contributed to the crash. Angelica R. Perkins, 15, Salem, was pronounced dead at the scene of a one car rollover accident on state Route 154 in Middleton Township that occurred at 6:27 p.m. Feb. 25. The vehicle struck a guardrail, traveled across the road and struck a ditch and embankment and overturned several times before striking a utility pole. Perkins was in the passenger seat of the vehicle and was partially ejected when the crash occurred. The driver, Cory Evans, 18, Negley, sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Neither were wearing their seatbelts.
According to a report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, footage from a surveillance camera of a residential property showed the vehicle driven by Evans reportedly racing with another vehicle down state Route 154-- 325 feet from where the crash occurred. The footage shows the vehicles traveling side by side and allegedly competing for speed before they traveled out of frame. The crash occurred off camera but can be heard in the video.
According to the report, Evans admitted to consuming alcohol and using marijuana earlier in the day before driving, but the results of the portable breath test came back below the legal limit. A blood test was later conducted following a warrant and a toxicology report is pending.
Evans was not cited at the scene of the accident, but the report from the state highway patrol says the case will be presented to the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office for charges.