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Police: Fatal hit-run leads to drugs in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Springfield police say the pursuit of a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash led to the discovery of a drug distribution operation.

Investigators say 25-year-old Mark Perez stole an SUV just before Saturday morning's crash that killed a 55-year-old Westfield woman. Police say they tracked the damaged SUV to Perez's residence and arrested him after he attempted to flee the home with a large amount of marijuana.

Authorities say a subsequent search of the home turned up more marijuana, cocaine and cash.

Perez faces charges including leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Two other people who live in the home face drugs charges.

All three are in custody pending arraignment Monday.

The identity of the woman killed in the crash wasn't immediately released.