Methuen Hit And Run Suspect Arrested

METHUEN, MA – A 22-year-old Lawrence man was arrested Saturday and charged in a hit and run that killed an 11-year-old girl in Methuen. Steven Toro is accused of striking Jaydee Soto, of Methuen, Thursday night and making "no attempt to stop or slow down," police said.

Soto was struck about 9:45 p.m. while crossing Broadway near Kirk Street with her father. Police said the vehicle was speeding and allegedly fled down Broadway into Lawrence.

Soto was taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

On Friday, police released photos and video of the vehicle and sought the public's help in identifying a suspect. A tip led to Toro's arrest, police said.

"The community is our eyes and ears, and information provided to police by members of the public directly resulted in an arrest nearly 48 hours after this horrific incident," Chief Joseph Solomon said in a release.

Toro is charged with motor vehicle homicide, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident resulting in a death in order to avoid prosecution or evade apprehension, failure to yield, speeding and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He is being held on $100,000 cash bail and is expected to be arraigned Monday in Lawrence District Court.

Image via Methuen PD