Truck driver arrested in Rome hit-and-run case that killed motorcyclist: police

Rome police say they have arrested the driver responsible for the fatal crash that killed a motorcyclist earlier this month.

Investigators said James Paul Proulx, 40, was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that hit motorcyclist Jerry W. Newton off the road on March 10. Newton died shortly after the accident.

Police said Newton and Pru were involved in an altercation that lasted several miles before crashing on U.S. Route 287 between Pioneer Parkway and Texas 114 at approximately 7:15 am.

Witnesses told police that the driver left the scene shortly after the crash and appeared to be traveling with a second car that also left the scene. There is no information about the driver of the second pickup yet.

Rome’s police released photos of the pickup truck believed to be involved in the hit-and-run, and investigators soon began receiving information via social media. These tips, along with witness statements, helped police identify Pru as the driver, they said.

Proulx was charged with two felony charges: manslaughter and accident resulting in bodily injury or death. He is being held at the Wise County Jail on bail totaling $200,000. It is not immediately clear whether Proulx received a lawyer.