DRUNK MAN FLEES POLICE

Elyria – An Elyria man was arrested late Sunday night and charged with Resisting Arrest, Reckless Operation, Fleeing a Police Officer with a Motor Vehicle, Speed and OVI, after leading Police on a chase through Elyria and ending up in Sheffield Township.

Police were called to the area of Harrison Street near the cemetery after being told that an intoxicated male was driving reckless in the neighborhood. While responding Officers were notified that the man had also struck two parked cars.

One Officer spotted the man, later identified as Jeffrey A. Phillips of Elyria, turning onto Ridge Street from East River. The Officer, after making eye contact with Phillips as he passed him, turned and attempted to pull him over. Phillips, ignoring the lights and siren took off – driving through the back parking lot of Smitty’s Bar and coming out onto East Bridge Street – the chase was on.

Phillips headed east on Cleveland Street to Olive – then through the side streets in the St. Jude’s neighborhood before popping back out onto Cleveland Street.

The chase made its way to Route 57 going north. Phillips at one point attempted to cross over the median near Bell Ave and blew out his driver’s side front tire. A little thing like a blown tire didn’t stop Phillips, slowed him down a bit, but didn’t stop him. He continued north on 57 heading towards Lorain with the cavalcade of Police cars following behind.

Phillips made a left turn onto Route 254 from 57, now with a rear driver’s side tire out of air. Phillips made a quick turn into the parking lot of Cash Stop and took off on foot behind the building with Officers right on his heels. Police, along with Elyria K9’s Stuka, converged on Phillips and after a short struggle he was taken into custody.

Phillips was booked into the Elyria City Jail.

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