PLAY BALL

ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Avon – A charity softball game between the Avon Police Department and the Avon Fire Department ended Sunday afternoon with the scoreboard reading 9 – 5 in favor of the Fire Department – but the real winner was the Breast Health Center Moll Pavilion at Fairview General Hospital.

Chief Frank Root of the Avon Fire Department said that the game between the two departments have been going on for years – but just as a back yard picnic type of event. “This year I was approached by one of our Firefighters, John Gansor, he asked what I thought about the idea to play the game here at the All Pro Freight Stadium and I said that it was a fantastic idea. From there on it just snowballed and with the enormous cooperation from the management at the Crushers, the City of Avon and the community we were able to get where we are today. It’s truly been a team effort between the Firefighters, the Police, the Mayor, the Crushers and the team at the Breast Health Center.”

Chief Root prediction: Fire 29 Police 2

Mayor James A. Smith, who when asked to predict the winner of Sunday’s game paused for a moment before answering. “The real winner today, no matter what the scoreboard says, will be the Breast Health Center, Breast Cancer awareness and our community. This is such a wonderful event and to have the Police and Fire Departments working so closely on organizing this says something about the men and women who are working in our City.”

Mayor Smith also acknowledged the tremendous amount of work that the Crushers donated. “They made this all real – from printing real tickets through their box office, the sign outside and their entire staff here at the stadium. What an outstanding partner they are to this community, we are very fortunate to have them in Avon.”

Chief Paul Romond of the Avon Police Department said that his department is proud to participate in an event that benefits such a worthy cause. “Our people have come together and really worked hard in getting ready for today to make this as successful as possible. Any event like this will help not only in bringing in money but it helps raise awareness to Breast Cancer and that makes this all worth while.”

Chief Romond differed from Chief Root’s prediction saying that his team is ready both defensively and offensively so his prediction: Police 12 Fire 9

Firefighter John Gansor said that his wife has Breast Cancer and after seeing what women go through first hand, he wanted to do something. “This is all for the women. For their courage, for their strength, for their hope – it’s all for them. There are 100 pink ribbons around the park, there are ribbons painted on the pitchers mound, the bases are pink and we even have commemorative pink softballs for today’s game. It’s all for the women.”

Gansor said that he worked closely with the management of the Crushers in planning Sunday’s event. “In all my years, of all the organizations I have worked with – these guys are the best. They were a Godsend. It was always, what do you need John – whatever you need John. I can’t say enough about these guys.”

Gansor said that getting the word out about early detection was key to Sunday’s event. “Women must check themselves regularly. I cannot stress the importance of early detection. My wife was concerned when she did a self-examination so we made an appointment right away and went into see the Doctor. The interesting thing was that what she felt was not a problem but they discovered the Cancer in the other breast. But without her checking on her own, who knows where we would be right now so I really want women to know how important self-examinations are. I believe that any woman who does not is just playing a deadly game of Russian Roulette with their lives.”

Dr. Debra Pratt from the Moll Pavilion at Fairview Hospital echoed Gansor’s concerns about self-examinations. “It’s vital and I tell women that when you do self-exams it’s not just feeling for lumps – if you feel a change in your breast, lump or not, get it checked out. Mammograms are also very important. Mammograms will detect about 80% of our cancers and about 20% will be felt and not show up on our Mammograms and that’s why you really want to put the two together. When you actually look at the screening guidelines – the guidelines have Mammograms as well as an annual exam by a Physician as well as the self-examination. So all three together help us capture all of them.”

Dr. Pratt said that there is still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to women getting checked. “I think women are very busy caring for their families – that they don’t take enough time to take care of themselves.”

Seven women were honored Sunday by throwing out the first pitch – including Dr. Pratt and six cancer Survivors.

Katherine Brumfield 1 year Survivor
Marla Gansor 1 year Survivor
Debbie Klein 5 year Survivor
Delores Frederick 10 year Survivor
Barbara Gregg 8 year Survivor
Libby Miller 13 year Survivor

Umpires for the game were John Stafford, Jim Campo and Bob Decker. The Umpires mentioned that before the game certain players reminded them who writes traffic citations in the City of Avon.

Singing the National Anthem was Ciara Nishanian, 8th grader from Avon Middle School.

As each player was announced during the game they each had a nickname – here are a few examples. Half Amazing – Dingle – MOJO RISING – Mongo – Chubby Elvis – No Jokin’ – Quick Draw and the one that drew the most looks and laughs – Bananas in Pajamas.


PHOTO GALLERY

Photos by TMC & BRIAN WOODS

SEMI & CRANE COLLIDE IN LORAIN

DRIVER PINNED UNDER CRANE

FLOWN FROM SCENE

Lorain – Firefighters and Paramedics were kept busy Monday morning after a semi & crane collided on East 28th Street in Lorain.

Witnesses say that both the semi and crane were traveling east on 28th Street when the crane stopped to make a right turn into a private drive. The semi did not stop and struck the back end of the crane.

The collision mangled the front of the semi and spun the crane around and flipped it over – pinning the driver of the crane.

Firefighters worked in excess of 30 minutes to extricate the driver – even utilizing another crane to free the man.

While the extrication was ongoing Paramedics had Metro LifeFlight dispatched to the scene. The helicopter was able to land in an open field just west of the crash site.

Once the man was freed Paramedics and the Medical Team from Metro treated the victim and prepared him for his flight to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

The driver of the semi, who was found sitting on a curb when Firefighters arrived, was treated and transported to Community Health Partners Emergency Room with non-life threatening injuries.

NEW PHOTO GALLERY POSTED

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos by: TMC & BRIAN WOODS

HOWSE ARRESTED ON WARRANT

Elyria – Chris Howse was arrested Saturday afternoon on 8th Street near West Ave after a warrant was issued yesterday.

Howse, brother of Alverno Howse who was just indicted on charges of Tampering with Evidence at the murder scene of 17-year-old Chuckie Howard, was due in court Friday for sentencing after being found guilty of two traffic violations and failed to appear.

Howse had pleaded No Contest to charges of Driving Under Suspension (M1) and Operation of Vehicle at Stop Sign (MM) on July 27th and was scheduled for sentencing before Judge John Musson Friday. After Howse failed to appear a warrant was issued for his arrest.

An alert Elyria Police Officer spotted Howse driving a red Ford Focus on West Ave and was able to pull him over and take him into custody without incident.

At the time Howse was arrested he was wearing a black memorial t-shirt that had a photo of Chuckie Howard and with the words: RIP Charles Howard 1992-2009.

TORNADO WARNING

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN CUYAHOGA COUNTY IN NORTHEAST OHIO AND NORTHERN LORAIN COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL OHIO UNTIL 400 PM.

AT 320 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO. THIS DANGEROUS STORM WAS LOCATED 6 MILES SOUTHEAST OF AMHERST...OR 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF ELYRIA AND MOVING EAST AT 25 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: ELYRIA, SHEFFIELD, GRAFTON, NORTH RIDGEVILLE, EATON ESTATES, AVON, OLMSTED FALLS, NORTH OLMSTED, WESTLAKE AND BAY VILLAGE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONSTHE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. IF NO BASEMENT IS AVAILABLE – SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR CLOSET.

BODY RECOVERED FROM LAKE

TMC NEWS PHOTO / BRIAN WOODS

Avon Lake – Lieutenant Duane Streator of the Avon Lake Police Department confirmed that rescuers recovered the body of a man that they had been searching for since just before 4 p.m. Thursday.

“We received a call of a male in the lake that had gone underwater and had not resurfaced behind the power plant near Miller Road Park. Avon Lake Police & Fire Department personnel responded to the area along with the Coast Guard. It was reported that the male was fishing along with others in the area of the discharge channel of the power plant. The male was standing in approximately 4 feet of water and walked towards the rocks on the north side of the channel. As he proceeded he apparently lost his footing and went underwater. Witnesses indicated he was struggling and several tried to assist, but were unable to locate him. Witnesses described a strong current in the area of the discharge channel.”

Streator identified the victim as 62 year old David C. Morrow of East Cleveland.

Streator said that rescue personnel and divers from Avon Lake Police, Avon Lake Fire and Avon Police entered the water attempting to locate the Morrow. Approximately two hours later rescue personnel located him underwater near the break wall a short distance from where he was last seen. Rescue personnel determined that based upon his condition and time submerged he was not able to be revived.

Morrow was brought to shore and then transported to the Lorain County Coroners Office.


PHOTO GALLERY

SEARCH UNDERWAY IN LAKE ERIE

TMC NEWS PHOTO / BRIAN WOODS

DEVELOPING
Avon Lake – Firefighters from Avon Lake and surrounding communities along with members of the Coast Guard are currently searching for an elderly man who was reported missing in the water near CEI.

MAN CRASHES THROUGH GARAGE

DESTROYS TWO PARKED CARS

TAKES OUT GARAGE WALL

Elyria – An early morning crash Thursday sent one man to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland after he crashed into a Fuller Road home.

A man driving at a high rate of speed east on Fuller lost control of his car after rounding a curve in the road. The man drove his 1999 Chevy Malibu left of center, through a yard, through a closed garage door where he struck two-parked car, then through the east wall of the garage – taking a minivan from inside the garage with him.

Witnesses said they saw the man “flying” down the road just before the crash.

Police were on scene within seconds of the crash and called for Paramedics and Firefighters to the scene.

Firefighters had to extricate the man from the car while others checked the stability of the garage.

Once the man was freed from the car he was transported to the parking lot of the old Value City parking lot where they were met by a Metro LifeFlight helicopter. He was then flown to MetroHealth Medical Center. His condition is unknown.

Homeowner Velma Provenza said that it sounded like an explosion when the car hit the house. Provenza was sleeping on the opposite side of the home at the time of the crash. Her son was sleeping in the room next to hers and she said their two dogs were sleeping in the living room next to the garage area.


PHOTO GALLERY The link to the photo gallery has been corrected


UPDATE:
The driver of the car, 38-year-old David Orzech, is listed in good condition at MetroHealth Medical Center according to a hospital spokesperson.

Moments before the crash Orzech passed a Police car that was traveling in the opposite direction. Due to the high speed of Orzech’s car the Officer turned around to stop him but by the time they got turned around he had already gone off the road and into the garage.

PIZZA STORE CLERK ROBBED

Sheffield Township – A Marco’s Pizza shop employee was robbed late Tuesday night as he was leaving the store around midnight.

The employee was shot with a type of pepper spray, assaulted then had his car tire slashed as the suspect fled the area.

Lorain County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the area and searched the neighborhoods with the assistance of a Lorain Police Officer and his K9 partner.

The suspect was last seen running across Route 254 towards the Auto Zone car parts store. He was not found.

Sheffield Township Firefighters treated the victim at the scene and then transported the man to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.


PHOTO GALLERY

SENATOR KENNEDY DEAD AT 77

1932 ~ 2009

After a lengthy battle with brain cancer, Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts died late Tuesday night at his home in Hyannis Port. Kennedy was 77.

The Kennedy family released the following statement after his death was announced:

“Edward M. Kennedy – the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply – died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”

FIRE DESTROYS LORAIN STRUCTURE

STRING OF SUSPICIOUS FIRES

HAVE NEIGHBORS CONCERNED

TMC NEWS PHOTO / BRIAN WOODS

Lorain – A possible arsonist has hit another vacant structure in Lorain.

Lorain Firefighters received a call at 6 p.m. Monday of smoke coming from a building at 2108 East 28th Street. As Firefighters began rolling out of their Station a couple blocks away they could see the smoke filling the air already.

Heavy smoke was pouring from all sides of the structure and within minutes the smoke turn to heavy fire.
Firefighters quickly took a defensive attack on the structure – extending their aerial truck and dousing it with water from the air and from all sides. Fire Command even requested that the water pressure in the area be pumped up to assist in the battle.

TMC NEWS PHOTO / DAN MATOS

A fast, well-orchestrated attack saved nearby structures from falling to the same fate as 2108. One of the structures is even attached to 2108 by a walkway but was untouched by fire.

The fire was brought under control in under an hour and was completely out in just over one hour.

The fire is being looked at as suspicious and neighbors speaking with TMC NEWS said that they are concerned about all of the vacant buildings catching on fire lately.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Lorain Fire Department.

TMC NEWS had two Photographers on scene – Select either of the two galleries (or both). Fore best viewing – click the “slideshow” button at the top right of the photo gallery pages.

PHOTO GALLERY by Brian Woods

PHOTO GALLERY by Dan Matos

MAN WITH GUN RUNS FROM COPS

Elyria – Elyria Police Officers were called to the area of Depot Street behind National City Bank late Saturday night to break up a fight. While breaking up the combatants one of the men fled from the Police.

Officers ordered the man to stop then chased him on foot through the downtown area. The chase crossed Broad Street and through the JGT pay parking lot, behind Bugsy’s and to Chapel Alley.

With Officers close behind the suspect ran into a blue car traveling down Chapel Alley. The man appeared to be trying to get inside of the car – that is until he looked inside and saw a Police Officer. The man then began to run again towards Second Street but was taken down by Officers.

The man is from the Cleveland area and it was discovered that he had active warrants from Cleveland. The Officers also confiscated an automatic handgun from him.



PHOTO GALLERY

LORAIN BATTLING A HOUSE FIRE

DEVELOPING
Lorain – Lorain Firefighters are battling yet another fire in an abandoned house at this hour. The roof and part of the front of the structure has collapsed.

TMC NEWS Photographers Brian Woods and Dan Matos are on scene and will have complete details and PHOTO GALLERY later on TMC NEWS.

Top photo courtsey of KYLE WORK

Second photo: Dan Matos

ABANDONED HOUSE FIRE IN LORAIN

OFF-DUTY FIREFIGHTER DISCOVERS BLAZE

Photo courtesy: Robert Haas

Lorain – A potential disaster was diverted Saturday night after off-duty veteran Lorain Firefighter Robert Haas spotted a fire in a home located behind the Dovin Funeral Home on Elyria Ave.

Haas was driving along East 28th Street heading toward Elyria Ave when he said he smelled smoke. With his years of battling house fires he knew it was not your typical back yard barbeque causing the smell. Haas began searching for the cause and discovered the home on East 27th Street behind Dovin Funeral Home.

Haas saw fire in windows on the ground floor and the second floor of the home. After parking his truck and notifying 9-1-1 he approached the house to see if anyone might be inside. With the darkness of the street and the smoke Haas could not tell right away if the home was occupied or abandoned so he went to the front door, which he found to be open. Haas entered the home and saw a mattress on the living room floor on fire. He yelled for anyone that might be inside but received no response. Realizing that it was an abandoned home and that the fire and smoke was becoming too much he backed out and waited for his fellow Firefighters to arrive.

Once Lorain Firefighters arrived they attacked the fires both on the ground floor and second floor. The fires were knocked down in a short amount of time then Firefighters checked the rest of the home for possible extensions but all was clear.

Neighbors said they were glad that Haas spotted the fire before it got out of control and possibly spread to any neighboring homes.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway by the Lorain Fire Department.


PHOTO GALLERY

MAN THREATENS ELYRIA FIREMEN

AFTER SPECTACULAR CRASH ON PARMELYTMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

DEVELOPING STORY
Elyria – Three people were taken to the hospital and an Elyria man was cited Friday evening after crashing through two phone poles and four mailboxes on Parmely Ave.

Police are investigating why 24 year old Ryan Winborn of Elyria lost control of his car Friday night. Winborn was traveling west on Parmely Ave when he went off the right side of the road where he took out numerous mailboxes and two utility poles before coming to rest near a set of railroad tracks.

A woman and child were removed from the car by Elyria Firefighters through the passenger side of the car. While attempting to give care to Winborn he began yelling at them and threatening them if they touched him.

Police quickly stepped in and began trying to calm Winborn to no avail. Officers had to remove Winborn from the driver’s side and struggled to handcuff him. Once handcuffed Winborn was escorted by Police to the Ambulance where LifeCare Paramedics treated him and then transported him, along with his two passengers, to Elyria Memorial Hospital.

While conducting an inventory on Winborn’s car they found two handguns and a rifle in the trunk of the car. Winborn told Police at the scene that he purchased the guns locally and legally.

Check back this weekend for more details on this story.


PHOTO GALLERY

WOMAN INJURED IN ROLL OVER CRASH

Carlisle Township – A Wakeman woman was transported to Allen Community Hospital Friday afternoon after being involved in a two car crash at Oberlin-Elyria Road and Butternut Ridge Road in Carlisle Township.

Trooper Mandi Rodriguez of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that the crash occurred when the driver of a Bellman Plumbing truck failed to yield from a stop sign. “Mr. Bellman was traveling east on Butternut Ridge Road and came to a stop. Mr. Bellman said that he did look both ways but was in a hurry and must not have seen the car.”

The other car, driven by 70 year old Minnie Evans of Elyria, was traveling northeast on Oberlin-Elyria Road when 30 year old Scott Bellman of Wakeman pulled out in front of her. The Ford Escort ZX2 that Evans was driving struck Bellman’s van on the passenger side near the rear tire causing the van to roll over onto the driver’s side.

Bellman was able to crawl out of the passenger side window of the van on his own after the crash.

Carlisle Township Firefighters and LifeCare Paramedics treated Evans at the scene chest pains and minor injuries and transported her to Allen Community Hospital in Oberlin.

Trooper Rodriguez said that Bellman was charged with failure to yield from a stop sign.

On a side note: Rodriguez said that when Bellman was crawling out of the passenger side window of his overturned van – he saw a man that had stopped on the road. The man took photos of Bellman climbing out of the window of the van and then got back in his car and drove away.

Another thing, When Firefighters described the collision they said Evans’ car “struck” Bellman’s van. Bruce Bishop, Chief Photographer from the Chronicle Telegram, said that Evans’ car “bipped” Bellman’s van. I decided to go with “struck.”

Lastly, although this story is news worthy it is not, contrary to what others might think, a BREAKING NEWS story.


PHOTO GALLERY

ENFORCEMENT BLITZ BEGINS TODAY

Columbus – The message is clear: if you drive impaired, you will be caught and arrested. This year, 952 Ohio law enforcement agencies joined thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the nation to take part in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest Crackdown on impaired driving. The enforcement blitz began today and lasts through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

During the enforcement period, law enforcement partners have planned more than 5,700 enforcement hours, approximately 40 checkpoints and more than 1,700 hours of saturation patrols around the state. If you drive drunk, you will be caught and arrested.

“We are serious about saving lives and so are our partners, from law enforcement to safety advocates,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán. “We’ve seen a decline in alcohol-related fatalities on Ohio’s roads over the past three years and we want to make sure that trend continues, so we’re working to ensure everyone knows that drunk driving is simply not worth the risk.”

In 2008, 449 people died in alcohol-related crashes on Ohio’s roads (down from 473 in 2007 and 495 in 2006) and more than 8,000 people were injured. Impaired driving also continues to be a problem nationwide. Nationally, in 2007, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

The picture for motorcycle riders is particularly bleak. Nationally, in fatal crashes in 2007, a higher percentage of motorcycle riders (27 percent) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher than any other type of motor vehicle driver. In Ohio, in 2008, motorcycles made up the second largest vehicle group (behind passenger vehicles) in fatal crashes involving alcohol.

The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. Crackdown is a program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity. It is locally administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office, which funds a majority of the enforcement hours through federal funds from NHTSA.

ARREST MADE IN SHOOTING CASE

GUNMAN STILL BEING SOUGHT BY COPS

Elyria – Elyria Police have arrested 19-year-old Alverno Howse of Elyria and charged him with Tampering with Evidence at the home where 17 year old Chuckie Howard was killed. Police would not elaborate on the charge. Shortly after the arrest Thursday Police and members of the U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force were seen searching the home of Alverno Howse at 1014 Riverside Drive in Elyria.

During an afternoon press conference Thursday Mayor Bill Grace said that all city resources would be behind the search for the gunman. “All resources are available to Police to find the perpetrators of what took place and to intercede in anything that may follow up from this.” Grace said that members of the community have been coming forward, lead in part by the NAACP and members of the Clergy to assist Police.

Chief Michael Medders of the Elyria Police Department began by expressing his condolences to the Howard family. “It’s very tragic that he did die in this manner. I think it’s very tragic anytime we lose anybody in the city. I’ve been in this job for 33 years and this never gets easy to see young kids get killed.”

Medders said that while he is Chief in the City of Elyria he will “not tolerate this kind of conduct in this city, we’re going to put a task force in this city to deal with theses issues.”

Medders is asking the community to start calling the Police Department when they see a kid or anyone with a gun in the city. “We are going to put a massive amount of Policemen in this area to try and stop this surge. I do not think this is a large group of people – Most of the citizens in this town are good, upstanding people.” Medders also asked that anyone who knows anything call the Police so that the people responsible can be put in jail.

ELYRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT 440.323.3302

MURDER VICTIM RAN FROM COPS

JUST 15 HOURS BEFORE BEING SHOT

Elyria – Murder victim Charles “Chuckie” Howard was apprehended by Police after running from them while they were conducting an investigation into two homes on Middle Ave being shot up.

Police responded to 1307 Middle Ave Wednesday morning after being told that the home was shot at and a bullet hole found in the baby’s bedroom door. While conducting their investigation they discovered that 1309 Middle Ave also was hit by numerous bullets that Police believe were fired from behind a shrub near 1315 Middle Ave – just south of 1309 Middle.

While investigating Police received a call in the 300 block of 17th Street reporting a group of subjects dressed all in black running through the backyards north toward 16th Street. As Officers arrived in the area one Officer spotted four subjects mid block on 17th Street – the Officer exited his car and ordered all subjects to, “Stop, Police.” All four subjects ignored the Officers order and continued running.

Officer Kerstetter observed a subject, later identified as Christopher Howse, running south from 17th Street toward Middle Ave. Kerstetter located Howse in the area of the Neighborhood Center and placed him in custody.

Officer Darmstadt located another subject behind a residence in the 300 block of 16th Street, later identified as Clyde Anderson. Anderson was later released.

Officer Walker and his K9 partner Stuka entered the back yards in the 300 blocks of 16th and 17th Street. Stuka was given the command to begin the track. Stuka navigated through the cut tree limbs and tall brush piles and continued west. Stuka encountered a chain link fence where he began jumping, placing his paws on the top of the fence. Walker spotted an opening in the fence that lead to an open lot that had waist high grass.

Stuka began lifting his nose in the air while pulling Walker north toward the rear of the vacant lot. Walker approached a large tree in the rear of the lot where Stuka entered the high weeds. Walker lost sight of Stuka as he entered the high weeds. Walker then felt a hard tug on his 16’ tracking lead, where Stuka began barking and pulling. Walker heard a voice call out. “You got me, I give up. Don’t let the dog get me.”

Walker entered the area, while maintaining control of Stuka and observed a subject later identified as 17-year-old Charles Howard, hiding on the ground behind the large tree. Howard was ordered to “Get on your stomach and put both hands behind your back.” Howard began yelling, “I was getting chased. Don’t let the dog get me.” Howard was ordered to remain still until other Officers arrived. Walker then gave Stuka the “watch” command where Stuka held on Howard. Each time Howard would move, Stuka would bark and lunge toward him. Walker maintained lease control on Stuka until other Officers arrived and took Howard into custody.

Both Howse and Howard were taken to the Elyria Police Department. Howse had a bond of $750.00 set. Howard was released to his mother, Lisa Torres. Torres was issued a MM citation for curfew violation.


PHOTO GALLERY

TORNADO WARNING ISSUED

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a TORNADO WARNING for Northern Lorain County. This warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m.

At 4:37 p.m. National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM capable of producing a TORNADO. This DANGEROUS STORM was located near Amherst and moving northeast at 50 MPH.

Locations impacted include: Lorain, Elyria, Sheffield, Sheffield Lake, North Ridgeville, Avon and Avon Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. IF NO BASEMENT IS AVAILABLE SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR CLOSET.

AVON BATTLES HOUSE FIRE

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Call Time: 5:49 a.m. Thursday August 20, 2009
Avon – An early morning fire in Avon caused $150,000 in damages – homeowner believes it was caused by a cigar that was left on a planter.

Chief Frank Root of the Avon Fire Department said they got the call of a house on fire at 5:49 a.m. Thursday morning. “When our guys arrived they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the back of the residence. They set up quickly and did an attack knocking down most of the fire pretty fast. Our automatic mutual aid Departments then arrived to assist us in checking for any extension.”

Root said that the fire was beginning to extend up into the roof area but the Firefighters were able to stop that from spreading. “This worked out perfectly this morning, these guys did a great job – they did exactly what they were supposed to do and in the end saved the rest of the home. Had this gotten any further into the roof area we would have an entirely different outcome. So I was very happy with how this ran this morning.”

The homeowner, Corey George, echoed Chief Root by saying how happy he was with the Firemen and how quickly they knocked down the blaze and preventing it from spreading. “Just a fantastic job, I really appreciate everything they did to save my home.”

George said that he had placed a cigar in a planter and poured water on it before going to bed the night before. He woke up to the noise of the fire and smell of the smoke.

Root said that his automatic mutual call brought Firefighters from Sheffield Village and North Ridgeville as well as Fire Chief Jeff Young from Sheffield Village.

Damage to the house is estimated at $100,000 and $50,000 damage to contents.


PHOTO GALLERY

PASTOR’S TEEN SON KILLED

Elyria – Elyria Police have confirmed that 17-year-old Charles “Chuckie” Howard, of 119 Floral Court in Elyria, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Police responded to 164 Taft Street Wednesday at 4:22 p.m. and found Howard lying in the kitchen with a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Police say their initial investigation has revealed that Howard was inside of Taft Street residence with friends at the time of the shooting.

LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated Howard at the scene and transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The victim is the son of Lorain Pastor Charles Howard from the Christian Kingdom International Church.

Police say that they have interviewed several witnesses and persons of interest and that the investigation is ongoing.

Police request that anyone with information about this case contact them at the Elyria Police Department 440.323.3302 or 440.322.1926.


PHOTO GALLERY

GAS LINE RUPTURED ON INFIRMARY

Elyria – A construction company doing work along Infirmary Road in front of Dauch Concrete Company accidentally struck a 2” medium pressure gas line.

A loud hissing noise could be heard coming from the pipe blocks away. The odor of gas could be smelled even further away.

Police quickly blocked off roads surrounding the break prohibiting traffic from passing the area. Firefighters with meters walked the neighborhoods checking levels.

Technicians from Columbia Gas were on scene within 30 minutes. A Technician walked over and simply shut it down. Just like that the noise was gone and within minutes, with a nice wind, the odor was gone as well.

PHOTO GALLERY - GAllery link has been repaired

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Northern Huron County and Northwestern Lorain County until 9:00 p.m.

At 8:02 p.m. National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a line of Severe Thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 MPH. Theses storms were located along a line extending from Milan to Kipton and moving northeast at 20 MPH.

Penny size hail can be expected.

Locations impacted include:
Vermilion, Amherst, Elyria, Lorain and Avon Lake




PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. SEEK SHELTER INSIDE NOW AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

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MAN SHOT ON TAFT IN ELYRIA

DEVELOPING

TMC NEWS PHOTO / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – Police are investigating a shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon at 164 Taft Street.

Police responded there after a man was reportedly shot in the chest inside of the home. Witnesses say that they saw a number of people run from the home just before Police arrived.

LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics responded to the scene and with the help of Elyria Firefighters treated and transported the man to Elyria Memorial Hospital in critical condition.


Check back later for more details and a complete PHOTO GALLERY

ANOTHER SHEFFIELD HOUSE FIRE

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Sheffield Township – An early morning fire on Farr Ave in Sheffield Township sent one man to the hospital with smoke inhalation and burns to his hands.

Chief Joe Bandagski of the Sheffield Township Fire Department said that when his crews arrived they had heavy fire coming from the west front of the house. “The fire was in the two bedrooms of the home. There was one resident inside of the house at the time of the fire and another man was sleeping in his car in the driveway. The man inside of the home woke up to the fire just after 5 a.m.”

Bandagski said that the resident was treated at the scene and taken to Community Health Partners with smoke inhalation and burns to his hands.

No Firefighters were injured in the battle.

The American Red Cross is at the scene assisting the Firefighters and family.

The Lorain County Fire Investigators are also on scene sifting through the rubble to determine a cause at this hour.

Bandagski said that his Department was assisted by Sheffield Village, Elyria Township, Amherst and South Amherst Fire Departments.

TWO HOUSES SHOT AT ON MIDDLE

Elyria – Elyria Police Officers were called to 1307 Middle Ave early Wednesday morning after gunshots rang out and bullets pierced the home.

Police discovered bullets had also struck 1309 Middle Ave during their investigation.

No witnesses saw anyone or any vehicle leaving the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.


PHOTO GALLERY

MAN SHOT ON 13TH STREET

DEVELOPING

Elyria – Police are investigating a shooting that took place on 13th Street in Elyria Tuesday afternoon.

Police and LifeCare were called to respond for a man down and shots fired at 4:30 p.m.

While responding Police received word that the shooting victim was put in a red SUV type vehicle and left the scene. Several Officers then began responding to EMH ER while others responded to the area where the shooting took place.

When Police arrived at EMH they spotted a red Jimmy pulling up with the victim inside. The man had been shot in the leg.

Police are continuing to search the area and are investigating the shooting.

PHOTO GALLERY TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

UPDATE: Police have taken one man into custody after searching a home on Middle Ave.

CAR STRIKES BICYCLIST ON 82

TEEN FLOWN TO METRO FROM SCENE

Eaton Township – An 18 year old Eaton Township man was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center Tuesday morning after being struck by a car.

Trooper Myron Board of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that 18-year-old Paul Wolf of Eaton Township pulled out of a driveway from the north side of Royalton Road (Rt. 82) on a bicycle and began riding westbound. Alanna Schnell, 59 of LaGrange, was traveling west on Royalton when she saw Wolf pull out onto the roadway. “She says that he was wobbling as he was getting onto the roadway and although she attempted to swerve to go around him – he kept coming and she struck him.”

Wolf went up the hood and into the windshield of Schnell’s GMC SUV – a deep imprint shows where Wolf hit before he rolled off the car and onto the ground.

Firefighters from Eaton Township responded to the scene and immediately put Metro LifeFlight on stand by. Once on scene they requested a chopper to land at the scene.

Within minutes Metro had a chopper on the ground and a medical team in the back of Eaton Township’s ambulance taking over care of Wolf.

Wolf’s mother, who arrived on scene shortly after the crash, waited nervously outside of the ambulance.

Wolf was then flown to Metro with multiple injuries.

Firefighters also spent time with Schnell in the back of the ambulance after Wolf was flown from the scene just to check her vitals and make sure she was ok. Schnell refused any further treatment or transport to the hospital.

Trooper Board said that the investigation is ongoing and that nobody has been cited at this time.


PHOTO GALLERY

NEW FIRE SCENE PHOTO GALLERIES

As Firefighters battled the blaze on Frankfort in Sheffield Township Sunday afternoon TMC NEWS was on scene capturing photos for our readers.

As with many other large stories we try to bring you as many photos as possible in an attempt to bring you closer to the story. Our feeling is that the photos we post can tell you the story better then words.

As you know Brian Woods has been a tremendous addition to TMC NEWS bringing you awesome photos from scenes all over the County. Brian arrived at the Sheffield fire scene just minutes before I did – Brian covered the front of the structure while I covered the side and back yard.

View Brian’s PHOTO GALLERY


We are also pleased to offer you a photo gallery today from our new contributor Dan Matos.

View Dan’s PHOTO GALLERY

Thanks to Brian and Dan for their amazing photos.

INTOX MAN FLEES & FIGHTS COPS

Elyria – A LaGrange man was arrested Sunday morning after nearly striking two Elyria Police cars and leading Police on a chase.

Police say that 31-year-old Lonnie Gandee of LaGrange was traveling south on West Ridge Road just after 4am Sunday morning when he came up on a section of road that had been closed down by Elyria Police Officers.

Police had shut down a stretch of the road due to a crash that occurred late Saturday night. In that crash a pick up truck took down two Ohio Edison poles that left wires hanging across the road. Police stood by as 10 Ohio Edison employees worked to replace the poles.

Officer Joe Figula Jr. was posted on the north side of the site blocking southbound traffic and had been there for in excess of 6 hours. At approximately 4:17 a.m. Officer Figula spotted headlights heading towards him at what appeared to be a high rate of speed and not slowing down. Figula, who had his overhead lights flashing, began to fear that a crash was imminent.

As the vehicle came up on Figula the driver went off the right side of the road, over the shoulder and partially into a front yard, enabling the vehicle to pass Figula. Once past the car accelerated towards the Ohio Edison operation. Figula activated his siren and began blowing his air horn to alert the workers.

The driver of the car, Lonnie Gandee, continued through the site and past the Officer blocking the other side by again going off the left side of the road.

With Figula close behind with his lights and sirens going Gandee continued to accelerate as he traveled south on West Ridge passing Albrecht Road. Figula observed that Gandee appeared to have a difficult time maintaining control when entering the turn prior to the intersection of West Ridge and Russia Road. Gandee’s vehicle appeared to be fishtailing and crossing the centerline. When Figula began approaching speeds of 70 mph he began to back off for fear of being involved in an MVA himself.

With his lights and sirens turned off, Figula began following at a safe distance in an attempt to just obtain the car’s license plate.

Figula watched as Gandee blew through the intersection of Russia Road and gain a lot of ground on him due to his backing down. Continuing Figula knew that Gandee would be approaching a hard turn ahead near Butternut Ridge Road and didn’t believe that Gandee would be able to negotiate the curve at the speed he was traveling.

Gandee did lose control at the curve and went off the road, crossed a drainage ditch and wrecked approximately 200 feet in a field. When Figula approached the vehicle Gandee was seen gripping the steering wheel with both hands, revving the engine while grinding his teeth and making growling noises. Gandee continued trying to get his car unstuck while Figula continued to order him out of the car. Figula opened the driver’s side door but was unable to pull Gandee from the car.

After numerous attempts to get Gandee to release the steering wheel and exit the car Figula told him he would pepper spray him if he did not obey his commands. Continuing to ignore the commands Figula hit Gandee in the face with a quick blast of OC Spray. Gandee then released his grip on the wheel and Figula was able to pull Gandee from the vehicle.

Figula, who had hold of Gandee’s left wrist, ordered Gandee to get on the ground, an order that he refused. Gandee turned and faced Figula in an aggressive manner, and was attempting to pull away. Figula, noticing that Gandee was much larger then he was, delivered two strikes to Gandee’s upper left thigh area with his flashlight. Figula was able to then get Gandee onto his knees. Gandee continued to refuse to lie down and Figula was able to get Gandee down to all fours. Gandee then again attempted to stand up so Figula delivered a strike to Gandee’s right arm. Gandee laid down but tucked his arms under his torso. Another Officer arrived on scene and after a short struggle they were able to secure Gandee in handcuffs.

Officers were able to smell alcohol on Gandee and asked him if he had been drinking – Gandee replied, “not all that much.”

Officers observed a cooler in the front seat with several open and unopened 12 oz Coors light beers and an opened partially emptied half gallon bottle of Captain Morgan 80 proof rum.

Officers had to assist Gandee out of the field as he was having troubles walking on his own. Once they made it back to the road, Figula flushed Gandee’s eyes with cool water.

Figula noticed that the license plate on the car (a Plymouth Laser) was held on by a piece of tape and retuned to a 1997 Ford truck. The vehicle identification number (VIN) came back to an Eagle T44. A correct VIN was found inside the doorway.

Gandee was taken to the Elyria City Jail where he was again decontaminated for the OC spray. Gandee also refused to take a BAC test.

Gandee was charged with the following:
Failure to comply with a Police order or signal (F3)
Tampering with a VIN Plate (F5)
Resisting Arrest (M2)
OVI (M1)
DUS (M1)
Reckless Operation (MM)
Fictitious Plates (MM)
Expired Plates (MM)
Seatbelt (MM)
Open Container (MM)

Gandee has a lengthy record according to the Elyria Municipal Court records including OVI and drug charges.

PHOTO GALLERY

EXPLOSION ROCKS NEIGHBORHOOD

KILLS FAMILY PET

INJURES ONE FIREFIGHTER

Call Time: 5:25 p.m. Sunday August 16, 2009
Sheffield Township – Firefighters from five Departments fought not only fire, but also explosions and extreme heat Sunday afternoon on Frankfort Road in Sheffield Township.

Chief Joe Bandagski of the Sheffield Township Fire Department said the call came in as a possible house fire with smoke in the neighborhood. “When our guys got here they found heavy smoke and fire. Our automatic mutual aid had Sheffield Village and Elyria Township already responding but the fire was getting out of control pretty quick so we also called in help from Avon and Amherst.”

Early in the battle Firefighters started hearing loud pops coming from inside the home. Fearing that it could be ammunition Command ordered everyone out of the structure.

A short time later, while all Firefighters were outside of the home, a loud explosion rocked the neighborhood sending a large fireball high into the air. The explosion sent one Firefighter from Elyria Township, who was on an attack line, to the ground near the front of the house.

Fellow Firefighters rallied to check on him then assisted him away from the house to a safe area to examine him further. It was later learned that he had twisted his knee after the explosion. He was taken to Community Health Partners Emergency Room and was later released according to Bandagski.

A home oxygen was the cause of the explosion.

Paramedics from Avon Fire Department set up their ambulance next door to the structure and were kept busy treating Firefighters with heat exhaustion.

Chief Bandagski said he was greatly assisted by Chief Jeff Young of Sheffield Village and Chief Frank Root of Avon during the blaze. “Having them on scene helps because they will take a side of the structure and be my eyes there and keep an eye on the Firefighters around them. A lot of times you will have Firefighters who want to keep battling the blaze but with this extreme heat they have to rotate through and get proper rehab, so the Chiefs keep an eye on that type of thing along with everything else.”

Bandagski said that the homeowners, Jim and Mary Wells, live alone in the home. “The wife is in the hospital and he was just coming home from seeing her today, so nobody aside from some pets were inside when the fire broke started.”

Donald Symons lives just down the street and has done work for the Wells and knows them well. “We were getting ready to go ride our ATV’s out in the woods when we looked down and saw all the smoke coming from their house. We ran down there and saw that the house was already fully engulfed with fire. My buddy, Steven Shall, ran to a front window and used his helmet to break it out. I grabbed a rock and broke out another window. We could hear noises coming from inside the home and we weren’t sure if they were inside or not at that point. Then we could see their two dogs just inside one of the windows. I grabbed in and got one then kinda tossed him over the fence to another neighbor. We tried to get the other one, but just couldn’t. The heat and fire was just too intense.”

Symons said that although he wished he and Shall could have rescued the second dog as well he is just grateful that the Wells’ were not inside at the time of the fire. “I would just hate to think what would have happened if they were in that fire.”

Symons said that he believes the neighborhood will rally around the couple and help them in anyway that they can.

Mark Verde owns a home just behind the Wells home and had been working on the house in hopes to sell it soon. He was happy with the response and work that the many Firefighters did Sunday afternoon. “The fire was so intense and shooting so high into the air I was very concerned that it was going to spread to my house. Then when I heard that explosion I pretty much figured that my house catching fire was a certainty. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with these guys; working in this heat with the amount of fire they had to deal with was something to watch. Then to see them be able to protect my home and also the garage there – I’m just very impressed.”

As always another group on scene was the Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Disaster Chairman Art Mead said that they would be assisting the family in anyway that they could but that their initial concerns were for the Firefighters. “We have water and Gatorade for the Firemen and also keeping cold towels ready for them as well. It is so very important that they keep the fluids flowing and to do whatever they can to keep cool.”

Bandagski said that the Lorain County Fire Investigators were already on scene beginning their investigation. Although it is too early to determine what started the fire, they believe it started in the laundry room. The home was a total loss.

Editors Note: It should be noted that Red Cross Disaster Chairman Art Mead was at home celebrating his 66th Birthday with his family when he received the call of the fire. Mead admitted that he had a little bit of his steak that was coming off the grill before he left his family and responded to the scene.

TMC NEWS would also like to extend a big GET WELL to Elyria Township Firefighter Dave Keener.

PHOTO GALLERY

CRAZY 5 CAR CRASH ON LEAVITT

New Russia Township – A five car crash Saturday afternoon on Leavitt Road sent one woman to the hospital and certainly kept State Troopers busy sorting out all of the details.

Trooper Shawn Klein of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that the crash began when one driver failed to yield from a stop sign.

To lay out this crash we will do it by using unit numbers for the cars.

Unit number 5 (Pick up truck with trailer) was heading northbound on Leavitt Road.
Unit number 1 (Green Taurus) was east on Butternut Ridge Road approaching Leavitt.

Unit number 1 “Failed to yield the stop sign” and pull out in front of unit 5 causing the truck to strike the Taurus. That pushed the Taurus into Unit number 2, a tan Olds Alero.

At this point Troopers believe that the driver of the 1993 pick up truck hit the brakes so hard his brake lines broke. With that the truck went off the right side of the road and into the parking lot of Drug Mart. The truck then struck a shopping cart corral thingy and then struck two more parked cars. Unit number 3, another Taurus, was pushed into a light pole and Unit number 4, a small red and silver pick up truck, was the last to be hit.

Unit number 5 continued his brakeless ride around the lot until he came to rest near the front entrance of the lot.

Klein said that the investigation showed that the driver of Unit 5 had braking action by the marks on the roadway on Leavitt. “You could see the marks on the road south of the intersection and then there were yaw marks in the parking lot, he’s turning and trying to stop the vehicle you can see that real well. Then one of the wrecker drivers told me that he could see why he didn’t stop after the crash, and we looked up and you could see brake fluid coming from the brake line.”

Paramedics from Central Lorain County Ambulance District treated the driver of Unit 1, 57-year-old Marisa Toledo of Elyria, and transported her to Allen Community Hospital with back and chest pains.

Paramedics also made their way around the parking lot offering assistance to others but all refused any treatment or transport.

Klein said that Toledo was charged with failure to yield from a stop sign.

PHOTO GALLERY