POLICE IDENTIFY CRASH VICTIMS

Police have released the names of the people involved in Sunday morning’s crash on Cleveland Street that left two men trapped inside of a 2009 Lincoln MKZ.

The driver of the Cadillac has been identified as 41 year old Dave Keffer of Elyria. Keffer’s passenger has been identified as 42 year old Terry Toth of Grafton.

The driver of the Ford van that was struck by Keffer’s Lincoln has been identified as 64 year old Gerald Evans of Elyria.

Both Keffer and Toth are still listed in critical condition at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Evens was treated and released from Elyria Memorial.

Lieutenant Andy Eichenlaub of the Elyria Police Department said the investigation into the crash continues.

CAR SLAMS POLE ON CLEVELAND ST

TWO MEN PINNED INSIDE

Elyria – Two men traveling east on Cleveland Street at a high rate of speed early Sunday morning lost control of the car, went off the left side of the road and slammed into a large utility pole – trapping both men.

It was just past 3 a.m. when the driver of the Lincoln first collided with a green passenger van that was also traveling east on Cleveland Street. The Lincoln then went left of center and struck the pole across from the Cleveland Street Salvation Army store.

An Elyria Police Officer on patrol rolled up on the crash moments after while the debris was still flying. He immediately requested LifeCare and Fire to the scene.

Elyria Firefighters and LifeCare Paramedics arrived on scene at 3:15 a.m.

Assistant Chief Ron Brlas of the Elyria Fire Department said the severe damage to the car posed many challenges for the extrication. “I think we ended up using every tool we have on the trucks to dismantle this car in order to safely remove the two victims.”

Firefighters cut, pulled, sawed and snipped away at the car for nearly two hours.

Knowing that extrication time would be extensive Brlas requested two helicopters to land near the scene. “We had two on the way and we had set up two separate landing zones but as we were doing that the driver was extricated from the car (3:42a.m.) then transported by LifeCare Paramedics to Elyria Memorial Emergency Room where the first helicopter crew met them.”

Once the driver was out of the car all of the Firefighter’s attention turned to the passenger. Brlas said that in his 31 years on the department he has never run up against extrication like this one. “We were all brainstorming as to the best way possible to get the passenger out quickly and at the same time safely. We even used Mug’s Towing service and this is the first time I have ever done something like that.”

The tow truck operator hooked chains to the driver’s side wheel and gently pulled the car off of the utility pole. This move opened up room for Firefighters to work on the passenger side of the car.

While all of this work was being performed Paramedics from LifeCare and the Medical Crew from Metro LifeFlight were inside of the car giving care to the trapped victim.

At 4:55 a.m. Firefighters extricated the passenger. He was then taken to a LifeCare ambulance where the medical team worked to prepare the victim for his flight to Cleveland. About 15 minutes later he was loaded into the awaiting helicopter and taken to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Both men left the scene in critical condition.

Elyria Police Investigators were on scene measuring and reconstructing the crash until just after 7 a.m.

Elyria Police received mutual aid assistance from North Ridgeville Police in keeping Cleveland Street blocked off during the incident.

The names of the victims have not yet been released.


WARNING: The photo gallery from this crash contains some graphic images
PHOTO GALLERY

TWO CRITICAL AFTER CRASH

DEVELOPING
Elyria – A high speed crash on Cleveland Street in Elyria early Sunday morning pinned the driver and passenger.

After a lengthy extrication both men were flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland in critical condition.

Check back later today for the full story and a complete PHOTO GALLERY

MAN IN WHEELCHAIR VICTIM AGAIN

Elyria – Many of you remember the story we ran earlier this month where a man in his wheelchair, Brennan Williams, collided with a car on Clark Street and Warren Ave while on his way to church.

Williams’ wheelchair was totaled in the crash but was later replaced by someone who saw the story and donated a new one to Williams.

Williams called the Police yesterday to report his 2008 silver Kia Sportage had been stolen. Williams told Police he has an acquaintance in his home doing repairs to his door. The man had been to the house before doing similar repairs. Just before 7 p.m. Williams watched as the man took the keys to the car and leave the house. Williams said he did not give permission to the man to take the car and has never let him use it in the past.

Police say Williams was unable to stop the man because he has cerebral palsy and has recently suffered a stroke.

Police went to a home on Livermore and made contact with Williams’ caregiver who used to date the suspect. The woman made contact with the suspect who admitted to having the car but refused to say where he was. The woman told police that the man sounded intoxicated.

Williams told Police that he wished to pursue charges against the suspect.

SHOTS FIRED LEADS TO CHASE

THREE MEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – Three Elyria men were taken into custody Wednesday night after they lead Police on a chase through the city.

At 10:01 p.m. Wednesday night an Elyria Police Dispatcher sounds the alert tone: shots fired in the 100 block of Bell Ave – suspect vehicle description dark colored possible dodge Stratus heading towards Shell Bell at Bell & 57.

Officers in the area of Weller Road headed towards Shell and quickly spotted a vehicle matching the description. As the Officers fell in behind the vehicle the driver took off and failed to stop when Police turned on their lights and siren.

A chase ensued that covered several miles through the southwest side of town. The suspect car then made its way onto West Ave from Mussey where the car went off road and across the playground area of Franklin School. As the vehicle drove through the yard it went between two metal pilings scrapping the sides of the car and damaging its mirrors and rear bumper.

Police cars were unable to follow the car through the yard but other Officers picked up the chase down the road. The driver of the suspect vehicle lost control of the car as he made a right turn onto 9th Street from East Ave. All three suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended by Officers.

The driver of the vehicle, Aaron Oliver, told Police that he didn’t stop because he was being shot at and didn’t know the Police were behind him.

A spent round was found inside of the car near the passenger seat and a bullet hole in the windshield.

Police then went to 114 Bell Ave and met with the caller. The man told Police that he heard about 5 shots fired and went outside to see what had happened. He noticed that the rear window of his Cadillac had been shattered by a gunshot. The man told Police that he saw the dark colored car heading towards Shell Bell and quickly called Police. He said that he saw no other vehicles in the area at the time.

Police located and collected 5 spent shell casings and 1 spent round just west of 114 Bell Ave.

While Officers were on Bell conducting their investigation they were notified of a caller stating that a red vehicle that was possibly involved in the shooting was parked behind 828 Lake Ave. The caller told Police that he heard 5 gunshots from just outside of his house. When he went outside he saw three black males standing in his driveway. When the three men saw him they ran across the street and into the backyards.

Officers checked the area and found 4 spent 9mm spent shell casings in front of Midway Trophy at 826 Lake Ave.

Police made contact with the owner of the vehicle the suspects were driving. She told Police that her husband had the car but “has a bad crack problem and probably rented the vehicle out.”

Police arrested and charged:
Aaron Oliver, the driver, with Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer (F-4), Carrying a Concealed Weapon (F-4), Having Weapons under Disability (F-3), Improper Handling of a Firearm (M-1), Obstructing Official Business (F-5), Reckless Operation and No Drivers License.

Tevin Jackson, front seat passenger, Complicity to Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer (F-4), Carrying a Concealed Weapon (F-4), Discharge of a Firearm on or near Premises (F-3), Having Weapons under Disability (F-3), Criminal Damaging (M-1), Obstructing Official Business (F-5) and Improper Handling of a Firearm (M-1).

Robert Henry, rear passenger, Complicity to Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer (F-4), Obstructing Official Business (F-5) and Improper Handling of a Firearm (M-1).

All three men were being held without bond to cease the acts of violence.


PHOTO GALLERY

MAN DIES IN LORAIN HOUSE FIRE

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS
Lorain – A 36 year old Lorain man died in a house fire on West 21st Street late Wednesday night.

Lorain Firefighters responded to 837 W 21st Street (corner of W 21st & Beech) around 11:30 Wednesday night after getting reports of house on fire and possibly two people trapped inside.

When Firefighters arrived they found heavy fire coming from the windows of the home. They began a quick attack then sent in a team to do a primary search for possible victims. The team found 36 year old Ethan West on the second floor of the home. West was brought out of the home and was turned over to Paramedics from LifeCare Ambulance. West was treated at the scene and transported to Community Health Partners Emergency Room where he was pronounced dead.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in a short amount of time and it was completely out within the hour.

A dog was removed from the home that was overcome with the smoke. Firefighters gave the dog and oxygen to Jamaal Rice. Rice, who is a neighbor, held the dog and gave him the oxygen. Within a few minutes the dog was up and wagging his tail again. Another dog was found in the home was not as fortunate as the smoke and flames were too much for him.

Neighbors told us that the homeowner was in the hospital at the time of the fire and believed that West may have been house-sitting.

Lorain Fire Department Investigators and the State Fire Marshalls Office are investigating to determine the cause of the blaze.


PHOTO GALLERY

BLOCK PARTY A HIT

Lorain – According to the kids, the Great Lakes Church Block Party could have gone on another couple hours Sunday.

About 2,000 people attended the “everything free” event Sunday in the Super K parking lot on Leavitt Road. Kids and adults were treated to pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, games, jump houses and live music.

Lorain Firefighters and LifeCare Paramedics were also on hand to tell kids about their jobs and to show off their trucks.

The best part of the day, one of the kids said, aside from the free pizza was the fact that they didn’t get rained on.


PHOTO GALLERY

MAN ROLLS CAR ON MILLS RD

North Ridgeville – Firefighters from Avon and North Ridgeville worked to free a man from his overturned car Saturday night on Mills Road between Rt. 83 & Stoney Ridge Road.

Avon Firefighters were called first for a roll over MVA on Mills Road with two unresponsive victims. Once on scene Firefighters found the crash in a ditch on the south side of the road – North Ridgeville’s side. They also found just one victim who was alert but trapped inside of the car.

A ladder was used to help Firefighters get down into the ditch to help the man. The victim was extricated through the rear driver’s side door then hoisted up the hill to Paramedics.

Police say the man was traveling west on Mills before going left of center then off the road and into the ditch. Police were not sure at the scene as to why the man went off the road but the crash is currently under investigation.


PHOTO GALLERY

TEEN FOUND DRINKING AT BAR

Elyria – Two Elyria Police Officers on a special detail to promote safety and enforce criminal violations in the bars and taverns in Elyria busted an 18 year Lorain man, Brandon Atkinson, for underage consumption early Friday morning.

The Officers said they pulled up to the Red Fox Lounge on Broad Street just before 1 a.m. Friday to perform a “walk through” of the bar. Officers noticed the Doorman from the Red Fox get up from his chair and enter the bar and closed the door after he saw the Officers exit their car. Officers said they could hear the Doorman alerting the guests inside the bar that the Police were coming.

When Officers entered the bar they saw several exotic dancers in bikinis and lingerie scattered throughout the bar. The dancers were wearing garter belts that contained “tip money.”

Officers then spotted a male who appeared to be under the age of 21 at the bar with a plastic cup or shot of liquor in his right hand, but as Officers approached him he moved the shot aside and grabbed a cup of ice water.

The man said he did not have ID on him so Officers asked him to step outside so they could speak to him away from the loud music. As the man stood up Officers noticed a small sandwich bag of marijuana hanging out of his shorts pocket – the Officer secured the bag before it fell to the ground.

Once outside, Officers identified the man as 18 year old Brandon Atkinson from Lorain. Officers said that Atkinson had an odor of alcohol on him and his eyes were red and glassy. Atkinson did admit to Officers that he had one shot of Hennessy Liquor inside of the Red Fox. Officers then placed Atkinson under arrest for Underage Consumption and Possession of Marijuana.

Police say that they will submit this evidence to the State Liquor Commission and request a citation on the Red Fox Lounge for Underage Sales.

MAN ARRESTED WITH GUNS & DRUGS

Elyria – Elyria Police arrested 33 year old Irving T. Seymour of Columbus Thursday afternoon for Possession of Crack, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Having Weapons Under Disability, Obstructing Official Business and Possession of a Scheduled 3 Controlled Substance.

Police attempted to pull a car over for several traffic violations on West Ridge Road just after 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The car stopped on Brunswick and the passenger opened his door and fled on foot. Officer gave chase and yelled for the subject to stop but he kept running. After stumbling a number of times Officers got closer as Seymour reached into his slowly turned towards Officers. One of the Officers yelled, “Show me your hands or I’ll shoot.” At that time another Officer closed in on Seymour and tackled him to the ground. The force of the tackle dislodged a .25 caliber Titan Pistol loaded with 3 live rounds from Seymour’s right hand. After a minimal struggle Officers were able to secure Seymour.

During a search of Seymour Officers found 2.4G of Crack Cocaine and 5 Hydrocodone Pills in his front left pocket. The Hydrocodone Pills were wrapped separately in torn plastic bags.

The driver of the car was not charged.


PHOTO GALLERY

FREE BLOCK PARTY TOMORROW

click on image to enlarge

Lorain – Start going through your pantry now and pack up some canned goods and other non-perishable items because that’s all you’re being asked to bring to THE BLOCK PARTY next Sunday.

Great Lakes Church in Amherst announced their plans for The Block Party that will be totally FREE for everyone attending.

The Block Party will be held Sunday August 22nd from 11am to 3pm in the parking lot of Super Kmart at Cooper Foster and Leavitt Road.

FREE pizza – FREE cotton candy – FREE refreshments – FREE snow cones – a FREE bicycle drawing and a FREE Grand Prize Drawing for an Xbox360.

All canned goods collected will benefit the Amherst Food Pantry at Good Shepherd Baptist Church.

For more information: THE BLOCK PARTY

PICK YOUR OWN HEADLINE

TMC NEWS / BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – I’ll leave the clever headlines to you on this story. An Elyria Police Officer on patrol spotted a large group of people in the pavilion area of North Recreation Center on Duffy.

As the Officer approached the group scattered and fled the area. The Officer then spotted a port-a-potty on fire and notified the Elyria Fire Department.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze that was started by using a cigarette to light toilet paper inside of the potty.

The fire is ruled as Arson and is under investigation.

CHILD RIDES INTO PATH OF CAR

TMC NEWS / BRIAN WOODS
Elyria –An 8 year old boy was injured Thursday night after he rode his bike into the path of a car on Taylor Street.

Police say the boy was riding his bike when he rode out into the street from a private driveway at 645 Taylor and into the path of a car traveling east on Taylor. The bike struck the passenger side front of the car throwing the child off of the bike.

The child was treated at the scene by LifeCare then transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

MEDICAL CONDITION CAUSE OF CRASH

Elyria – Two people were injured Thursday in a crash on West River Road North after the driver had a seizure and drove off the road.

Police say 45 year old Marian Velez of Lorain was traveling south on West River Road North near Penrose when she had an episode and went off the left side of the road. A passenger tried to grab the wheel but the car struck a utility pole and some shrubs before coming to rest near a house.

Velez and one of her passengers, 24 year old Luis Sanchez of Lorain, were both treated at the scene and then transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

No charges were filed.

FIREFIGHTER CRISS LAID TO REST

Firefighters, EMS Personnel and Police Officers from around Lorain County came together Friday morning as Avon Firefighter / Paramedic Kevin Criss was laid to rest.

Flanked by the Lorain Fire Department Honor Guard and his Brother Firefighters from “B” Shift, Criss’ casket made the short ride from the church to the cemetery in Penfield on the back of Avon’s 1932 Peter Pirsch International fire engine.


PHOTO GALLERY

A MOMENT FOR A FRIEND

A candlelight vigil was held in memory and honor of Avon Firefighter / Paramedic Kevin Criss Wednesday night in front of the Avon Fire Station. Luminaries lined the street around the station and nearly 200 people held candles while the fire bell was rang one last time for Criss.

Chief Frank Root of the Avon Fire Department said he wasn’t sure how many people would show up for the vigil, but was pleased at the outcome. “We have always had a good relationship with this community and since the tragic loss of Kevin the people of Avon and even surrounding communities have really shown us their love and support and I really hope they understand how much we appreciate them.”

Root stood on the pad outside of the fire station – his backdrop: a fire engine, a wreath for Criss and Criss’ turnout gear. “This was a day I never wanted to experience,” Root said. “Kevin was one of my first hires when I became Chief in 2006. Dealing with a situation like this is not something you are taught, I’m not sure they can teach it really.”

The night of the crash Root, along with Trooper AJ Torres and two of Criss’ friends went to make the notification to the family. “I’ve watched movies before where Officers had to go make a notification like this, but walking up that driveway and knowing that in moments you will have to tell the family something that will forever change their lives – I’m fortunate that I had the Trooper and the Officers from Lorain and Elyria there to help me. It’s something I pray I will never have to do again.”

The evening ended with a siren from an Engine behind the station and the final ringing of the station bell for Kevin.


PHOTO GALLERY

ELYRIA TEEN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

Elyria – A 17 year old Elyria man was robbed at gunpoint Wednesday night around 10:30 p.m. while walking on Eastern Heights Blvd.

The teen said that while walking on Eastern Heights near Sherman he was approached by two black males. One of the males asked him for a cigarette and a light. Once the teen reached for his lighter one of the men pulled out a handgun and told him to empty his pockets. Once the two men took the teen’s iPhone and ten dollars in cash and coins they walked away telling him not to tell anyone what happened.

The teen then went and met up with friends at McKinley school. After describing the two men one of his friends believes they know who it was that robbed him.

Elyria Police are investigating the incident.

ELYRIA MAN JUMPS OFF BRIDGE

TMC NEWS / BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – Police were called to the area of Tannery Street late Tuesday night after a man reportedly jumped off the bridge.

When Police arrived they found a man lying on his stomach below the bridge on Tannery Street. The man told Officers that he intentionally jumped because he was having a midlife crisis.

Police say the fall was approximately 25 feet.

LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated the man at the scene then transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital. He was later flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.


PHOTO GALLERY

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL PLANNED

Avon – The Avon Fire Department and the family of Firefighter Kevin Criss invite you to join them Wednesday night from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a candlelight vigil as they remember Kevin.

Chief Frank Root said that the vigil will take place in front of the Fire Station at 36185 Detroit Road. “We have had such an outpouring of support from the community asking what they can do for us or if there will be a vigil planned since the news broke about Kevin. So with the blessing of the family we are inviting the community to join us as we remember our friend.”

Root said that the family will attend and he also encourages the community to place luminaries in their yards Wednesday night.

Anyone with questions about Wednesday night’s vigil are asked to call the Fire Station at 440.934.1212

FUNERAL PLANS
Calling hours will be Thursday at the Penfield Community Church, 40775 State Route 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Pastor Chris Reutepohler will officiate Criss’ funeral service on Friday at 11 a.m. at Penfield Community Church.

A private burial will follow at Penfield Cemetery.

Image created by BRIAN WOODS

LOCAL FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN CRASH

BREAKING NEWS
Carlisle Township – An Avon Firefighter / Paramedic was killed late Monday night after crashing his 2001 Yamaha motorcycle on Indian Hollow Road, south of Butternut Ridge Road.

Trooper AJ Torres of the Ohio State Patrol said that 31 year old Kevin Criss was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedics. “Mr. Criss was traveling south on Indian Hollow at a high rate of speed just after 11 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve. Mr. Criss went off the right side of the road striking an address sign post and a guard rail. He then traveled down a ravine and struck a utility pole – cutting it in half.” Torres said the Coroner indicated that Criss was killed instantly upon impact.

Criss was on his way home and was familiar with the roadways in that area according to Torres. He said it is possible that an animal had crossed his path prior to him losing control.


PHOTO GALLERY
Brian Woods contributed to this Photo Gallery

SERVICE BEING PLANNED FOR BANDIT

Amherst – It was announced today that Lorain County Sheriff Deputy Bob Perkins will be handling the memorial plans for Amherst Police K9 Bandit.

Bandit passed away over the weekend after a short illness. Lieutenant Joe Kucirek of the Amherst Police Department said that Bandit had recently undergone surgery to have his spleen removed. “Preliminary autopsy shows that Bandit’s stomach contorted thus causing it to die. This in turn cut off blood flow to vital organs ultimately leading to Bandit’s death. According to the treating veterinarian, this is an acute (short) process which would have taken approximately 1 hour to cause death.”

Career highlights for Bandit and his Handler Sergeant Mark Cawthon include numerous drug arrests including over 20 kilos of cocaine and over 50 pounds of marijuana. In addition there were thousands of dollars of cash and drug related property, mostly vehicles, seized as the result of Bandit’s alerts.

The above photo was taken of Sergeant Cawthon and Bandit at the memorial service for Deputy Perkins K9 Drago this last April.

If you would like to leave condolences you can join the others who have written theirs on our facebook page: CLICK HERE

FIRE HOUSE DEMOLISHED

Elyria – The duplex that was hit by fire early Monday morning is no longer standing this afternoon. The city had a wrecking ball bring it down due to safety concerns. (Not sure that it was actually a wrecking ball – but it’s down)

Neighbors spotted the fire around 4:30 a.m. saying they saw fire coming from the trees and the roof of the home. Smoke filled the area as far away as East River and Pinewood where witnesses saw the smoke but wasn’t sure where it was coming from.

As Firefighters arrived they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the north side of the side-by-side duplex at 1254 East Ave. The fire caused another danger to the area as burnt electrical lines began snapping and falling to the ground.

A nursing home across the street was concerned about the fire and the smoke it was causing – but after Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire pretty quick they chose not to evacuate any residents.

The homeowner, Eddie Sabbah, was at another home in Elyria house-sitting for the night. Sabbah received a call telling him about the blaze around 5 a.m. When he arrived back home the fire, for the most part, was already out.

Sabbah told Firefighters that his home had been broken into recently and he was in the process of having an alarm system installed.

Firefighters, concerned with Sabbah after he complained of chest pains, called for LifeCare Paramedics to check him out. Sabbah said that he was just upset about his house and refused any treatment or transport to the hospital.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with any information about the blaze is asked to contact the Elyria Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 440.323.1027.


PHOTO GALLERY

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

This just could have easily been from our, “Are you an idiot” file – but we’ll make this into a quiz.

When you approach an emergency scene and you see Police cars blocking the road, an ambulance and multiple fire trucks – oh, and a house on fire, what should you do?

A. Park your car and take pics for TMC NEWS
B. Turn around and find an alternate route
C. Drive around the Police Cars, Ambulance, across the down power lines and past the fire trucks

If you answered “C” then you would be just as bright as the two people that did just that last night at the East Ave fire scene.

The first one occurred early on in the fire when a red SUV approached from the north and came through the scene at about 25 MPH. Police Officers ran the car down and spoke with the couple who had just crossed over the hot lines.

Later another vehicle tried to get through the scene by driving over a fire hose.

FIRE HITS EAST AVE DUPLEX

DEVELOPING
Elyria – Firefighters are on scene at this hour in the 1200 block of East Ave cleaning up after a fully involved fire destroyed a home. Nobody was home at the time of the fire and Fire officials say a secondary search showed nobody inside.

More on this story and a complete PHOTO GALLERY later on TMC NEWS

THIS LITTLE PIGGIE WENT…..

ALL OVER THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Elyria – Neighbors living on Spruce Street were quite shocked early Monday morning when they spotted a black pig walking down the sidewalk near their homes. Not knowing what to do they picked up the phone and called the Police to investigate the meandering pig.

Police were equally as surprised to actually find a pig walking around and squealing. After several failed attempts to lasso the pig Police were ready to call out the animal warden. Just then another neighbor showed up and pointed Officers to the pigs home and owners.

The pig, Tanna, is a Vietnamese Mini Potbelly Pig and has lived in the 100 block of Spruce since it was a baby. No longer a baby or mini, Tanna had to be coaxed back into the fenced in back yard of its home with an apple.

There were no injuries in this incident.


PHOTO GALLERY

AVON POLICE v AVON FIRE (Round 2)

Photos & Story by BRIAN WOODS
Avon – For the second year in a row the Avon Firefighters take home the coveted softball trophy after a 26 – 12 win over the Avon Police Department in a hard fought game at Crushers Stadium Saturday night.

Although the Firefighters took home the trophy, the real winners are the cancer patients at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Fairview Hospital and the Karen P. Nakon Foundation. Organizers say that more than just the money that was donated to the organizations; it is as valuable to raise the awareness of Breast Cancer.

All Pro Freight Stadium once again played host to this event and guests were treated to a fireworks show following the game.


PHOTO GALLERY

OVI CHECKPOINT NETS 7 ARRESTS

Lorain – As Lorain Police Officers and Ohio State Troopers were ready to begin their OVI Checkpoint Friday night they spotted a car traveling north on Grove approaching fast. The car, according to Lieutenant Travis Hughes of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, was coming at a high rate of speed. “We were just stepping up to the line to begin stopping cars when we saw him. He just missed striking a Lorain Police car at the south end of the checkpoint then drove through ignoring our commands to stop.”

A Trooper jumped in her car and was able to pull the driver over just a couple blocks away. The driver was returned to the checkpoint and was tested. The driver, who has 4 previous OVI convictions, blew a .228 and received his 5th OVI charge. The driver had a valid driver’s license at the time of the stop.

Hughes responded to some questions that our readers had about the time and location of the checkpoint being announced in the media. “By law there are several steps that we have to follow so the checkpoint is not considered entrapment. We first release the county where the checkpoint will take place, and then the morning of we release the actual location and time of the checkpoint.”

Hughes said that in addition to alerting the community to checkpoint there are rules they must follow when setting up the checkpoint. “As drivers approach they will first see a sign alerting them to an OVI checkpoint ahead, then 500 feet from that they will see another sign that tells them to prepare to stop ahead. Before reaching the checkpoint we must provide them an out, so the drivers are able to turn off before going through the checkpoint.”

If a driver makes an aggressive move to avoid the checkpoint they can be pulled over and checked.

A total of 319 cars went through the checkpoint Friday night, that is down from the over 400 that went through the checkpoint on E. 28th a couple weeks ago. However, 7 drivers were arrested for OVI Friday, up 2 from the previous. Only one was charged with Driving under Suspension.


PHOTO GALLERY

REST IN PEACE BANDIT

Photo: Amherst Police Department

Amherst – The Amherst Police Department is mourning the loss of their K9 Bandit this weekend. Bandit passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning.

Bandit’s Handler, Sergeant Mark Cawthon, a veteran of the Amherst Police Department announced the loss of his K9 partner to his friends early Saturday morning.

Bandit joined the Amherst Police Department in March of 2005 and was trained to detect the presence of the odor of such narcotics as Marijuana, Coke, Heroin and Meth. Bandit was a certified Narcotic Detector Canine by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Bandit was also certified in tracking and article search.

Bandit was more than just a Police Dog; he was a part of the Cawthon and Amherst Police Department family. The American Flag outside of the Amherst Police Department has been lowered to half staff out of respect to their fallen K9 and friend.

We will bring you more details about the loss of Bandit once they are available.

TEEN SETS BABY ON FIRE

Elyria – Elyria Police responded to 213 Chestnut Street Thursday night after receiving reports of a baby having been set on fire.

When Police arrived they first made contact with Donna Partin, the mother of Billy Partin, the 14 year old suspect, she told Officers that her son had left the scene in a pickup truck with his cousin. Then two females approached, one holding an 11 month old Melinda Hall. Police noticed burnt skin on her face that was red and blistering and skin was peeling off her face and ears.

LifeCare Paramedics, who were dispatched with Police, quickly transported the baby to Elyria Memorial Hospital. She was later flown to MetroHealth Medical Center with 2nd degree burns.

Police requested a second ambulance for 17 year old Jasmine Pyles after discovering she had burns on her legs, she was also transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital.

Police learned from witnesses that the Partin was in a second floor bedroom area with Pyles and the baby . Partin reportedly poured nail polish remover on Pyles’ pant leg – spilling some of it onto the bed and baby. Pyles said Partin had a lighter and was igniting it near her pants. She told Partin to put the fucking lighter down. Billy responded with, “I don’t have to fucking listen to you” and then lit the back of her pants, part of the bed, floor and the baby on fire. As Pyles rolled over in an attempt to extinguish the flames she also rolled over the baby – Police say this ignited the baby further. The flames were eventually extinguished.

Partin’s mother was able to reach her son and had him return to the scene where he told Police what happened. He said he did pour the polish remover on Pyles and the bed and he did say that he set her pants and bed on fire, but said he did not know why. He said when he saw the fire he ran to the neighbor and called 9-1-1. He told Police that he then left with his cousin because he was scared.

Billy Partin was transported to the Elyria City Jail and booked. He was then taken to the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Home. Partin was certified into Juvenile Court for the offences.

PATROL: ID THEFT ON THE RISE

Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has noticed an alarming trend – identity theft cases are on the rise. The Patrol has observed a 55 percent increase so far this year in identity theft cases resulting from traffic stops and contact made at Ohio driver license exam stations.

This time last year, 114 cases for identity theft had been investigated in comparison to 248 cases this year. In addition, Bureau of Motor Vehicles Deputy Registrars and employees routinely collect approximately 4,000 set of fraudulent documents each year from their work in issuing driver licenses, state identification cards and vehicle registrations. Nationally, fraudulent identification crimes bring in nearly 10 billion dollars a year for organized crime, terrorist groups and individual criminals.

“From the first step of obtaining a temporary permit to the final issuance of a driver license, the Patrol and BMV work to ensure the documents we are issuing are secure and reliable,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Thomas J. Stickrath.

BMV investigators also train law enforcement and other partners to identify fraudulent documents. More than 8,000 officers statewide have been trained in the past five years.

“The increase we are experiencing is alarming. We are working to ensure that our troopers can identify fraudulent documents during routine traffic stops to do our part in keeping Ohioans safe,” said Colonel David W. Dicken, Patrol superintendent. “Anyone who has had someone else use their name, social security number or their likeness to commit a crime can understand how important it is that our troopers are trained to detect this type of criminal behavior.”

Patrol investigators believe the increase is a result of people attempting to use or create fraudulent documents or identification cards, felons with warrants attempting to avoid capture or criminals attempting to use stolen credit cards, checks and setting up fake bank accounts.

CHECKPOINT LOCATION ANNOUNCED

Lorain – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Lorain Police Department, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. tonight on State Route 57, south of 31st Street, in the city of Lorain in Lorain County.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

The checkpoint will also be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes.

If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.

CONGRATULATIONS TROOPERS

Elyria – Trooper Cliffton D. Dowell of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Elyria Post was honored with the Criminal Patrol Award at ceremonies held at Massillon District Headquarters today. Major John Born, Field Commander of the Patrol’s Eastern Command, presented Trooper Dowell with the first Criminal Patrol Award of his career.

The Criminal Patrol Award is for excellence in felony enforcement and is given yearly to those who open at least 12 felony cases. Just in the first seven months of this year Trooper Dowell has opened 14 felony cases, resulting in 14 arrests, to earn this award for 2010. His cases include four felony drug cases and three forgery or identity theft cases.

A certificate and uniform ribbon were presented to him.

Trooper Dowell joined the Patrol in December 2004 as a member of the 143rd Academy Class. He received his commission the following June and was assigned to the Chardon Post. In March 2008 he transferred to his current assignment at the Elyria Post. Trooper Dowell also served as a temporary instructor at the Patrol’s Academy for the 149th Academy Class.

Medina – Trooper Christopher S. Ausse of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Medina Post was honored with the Criminal Patrol Award at ceremonies held at Massillon District Headquarters today. Colonel David W. Dicken, Patrol Superintendent, presented Trooper Ausse with the second Criminal Patrol Award of his career.

The Criminal Patrol Award is for excellence in felony enforcement and is given yearly to those who open at least 12 felony cases. In the first seven months of this year Trooper Ausse has opened 12 felony cases, resulting in 13 arrests, to earn this award for 2010. His cases include 11 felony drug cases.

A certificate and uniform ribbon were presented to him.

Trooper Ausse joined the Patrol in June 1999 as a member of the 134th Academy Class. He received his commission in December of that year and was assigned to the Sandusky Post. In June 2001 he transferred to the Elyria Post, where he earned his first Criminal Patrol Award and the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement in 2005. In August 2009 he transferred to his current assignment at the Medina Post.

Top photo: Trooper Dowell investigates a car crash in Eaton Township
Second photo: Trooper Ausse participates in Shop with Cops in Lorain

OVI CHECKPOINT ANNOUNCEMENT

Elyria – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held in Lorain County tomorrow evening.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

“Based on provisional data, there were 338 OVI-related fatal crashes in which 370 people were killed last year in Ohio,” Lt. Travis Hughes, commander of the Lorain Post, said. “State troopers made 24,245 OVI arrests last year in combating these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

The location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning.

N ABBE CIRCLE K ROBBED

Elyria – Armed robbers hit the North Abbe Road Circle K in Elyria early Thursday morning, getting away with an undisclosed amount of money.

Police say that two men entered the store at approximately 4:46 a.m. Thursday morning with their faces covered. The store clerk told Police that one suspect pointed a handgun at him and demanded money from the register and safe. The second suspect was handed the money then both men fled on foot east towards Bon Air.

Police say that there is no evidence that this robbery is related to any other robbery currently being investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTIONS:
Suspect 1: Black male, 6’2” – medium build, wearing dark colored sweatshirt and a dark mask over his face. He displayed the weapon during the robbery.

Suspect 2: Black male, 5’10” – medium build, wearing dark colored sweatshirt with skeletal rib cage printed on it and a full face mask with a skull printed on it.

Anyone with information about this robbery are asked to call the Elyria Police Department at 440.323.3302.

EFD: ALL CLEAR FOR NOW

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – Although a crew of Firefighters will remain on scene of United Initiators at 555 Garden Street throughout the night Assistant Chief Ron Brlas of the Elyria Fire Department said that everything looks clear for now. “A crew will remain on scene overnight to monitor the situation and then first thing in the morning we will meet with the plant officials and evaluate the situation again to see where we stand.”

Brlas said that when he first arrived on scene he had a large volume of fire at an outside holding facility and huge clouds of black smoke filling the air. “We first took a defensive attack until we were able to meet with plant personnel to determine what had happened inside. We were told that it was Organic Peroxide burning in the skim tank.” Brlas said that all of the product from the plant goes through the skim tank and with the recent high temperatures the chemicals decomposed and self-ignited.

The attack changed from defensive to an aggressive offensive attack once Fire Officials learned of other tanks nearby that could possibly explode. Brlas said that Firefighters entered the building with hand lines while Tower 8 showered and cooled off tanks. Firefighters also fed water through the sprinkler system to push more water into the plant.

Some neighbors close to the plant were evacuated from their homes and employees from the city’s Central Maintenance Garage were sent home early as a precaution. Brlas said that Firefighters continually monitored the air with gas detectors and never found any problems. “I don’t believe there was really any risk to anyone other than those within the plant itself. We also had personnel from Waste Water checking sewers to make sure that no chemicals made it into the water and that all checked clear as well.”

One of the biggest concerns Fire Officials had after the bulk of the fire was knocked down was the remaining barrels near the skim tank. Brlas said that the decision was made to dump as much foam on the barrels and into the skim tank as possible to remove that risk. “We put out a call for foam from other fire departments and received about 300 gallons. We ended up using between 200 to 250 gallons at this point. The foam really proved to be a good tool in this situation.”

Brlas said that Lorain and Avon Fire Departments provided mutual aid on scene of the fire. Eaton Township, Grafton Village, Amherst, Lorain and Avon Lake Fire Departments all provided buckets of foam.

Lorain County Emergency Management was on scene providing logistics assistance and their Command Post.

Brlas said he was proud of the Firefighters and the job they did this afternoon. “It was a hairy situation and a very dangerous one, these guys did a great job in getting the fire knocked down as quickly as they did.”


PHOTO GALLERY

FIRE & EXPLOSIONS ON GARDEN ST

Elyria – Firefighters from Elyria, Lorain and Avon are currently at 555 Garden Street working on a fire that broke out within the last hour. Several explosions were heard and employees stated that it was Organic Peroxide that was burning inside.

More details and PHOTOS later on TMC NEWS

TMC NEWS PHOTO / BRIAN WOODS

POLICE CHARGE ROLL OVER DRIVER

Elyria – Police have charged 20 year old Donzelle Crosby of Lorain after he fled cops and crashed into a utility pole on Washington Ave early Tuesday morning.

Police charged Crosby with Reasonable Control, OVI, Driving Under Suspension, Receiving Stolen Property and Failure to Comply.

Crosby was also charged with a crash that occurred shortly before the Washington Ave crash where he went off the right side of the road and crashed into a chain link fence at 701 West River Road North. He was charged with Reasonable Control in that crash.

The 2000 Jeep Cherokee had been reported stolen from the apartment complex at 1864 Middle Ave.

MAN ROLLS STOLEN JEEP

Elyria – A Lorain man is in a world of hurt and a world of trouble today after an early morning crash on Washington Ave near the entrance to Elywood Park.

Elyria Police were alerted to the man driving a stolen Jeep after it was involved in a crash on West River Road North. The man drove the Jeep through a chain link fence before fleeing the area.

An alert Police Officer spotted the Jeep on East Ave and Second Street and fell in behind to verify if it was indeed the stolen Jeep. While riding behind the Jeep, with no lights or sirens, the driver went north on Washington from downtown and then took off at a high rate of speed.

When the driver got to the first curve he lost control and went off the road where he struck a large shrub and a utility pole before coming to rest on its side.

As Police surrounded the Jeep the man struggled to break free from the inside but the fact that his arm was pinned under the Jeep held him back. Even with being pinned the man continued to try and break free, even trying to restart the Jeep’s engine and trying to break out the front windshield.

An Elyria Police Officer crawled partially inside through the driver’s side window to hold the man down to prevent him from thrashing about and potentially hurting himself further.

Elyria Firefighters and Police Officers Pushed the Jeep backwards in order to free the man’s arm. He was then pulled from the inside of the Jeep to safety.

All of this went on under live wires that were hanging just above the Jeep.

LifeCare Paramedics treated the man at the scene and then transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital.


More details later on TMC NEWS


TMC PHOTO GALLERY

Brian Woods PHOTO GALLERY

MAN HOME RECOVERING AFTER CRASH

Elyria – The man in the wheel chair who was struck while on his way to church Sunday morning is home recovering.

Brennan Williams, 39 of Elyria, was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center after he collided with 22 year old Kelli Kundrod of Elyria, in the intersection of Clark Street and Warren.

Kundrod told Police that she did not see Williams and his electric wheel chair enter the intersection. The impact toppled the chair and left Williams, a Cerebral Palsy patient, lying on the roadway.

Witnesses watched as Kundrod drove away after the crash. Police were told that Kundrod was southbound heading towards East Broad Street – then west on Broad.

Kundrod then called Police a short time later from her residence in the 200 block of Clark Street. Police went there and found Kundrod and her car parked in the driveway behind the house.

Kundrod was charged in 2008 for an Assured Clear Distance with Collision crash and was also cited in 2009 by the State Patrol in Carlisle for running a stop sign.

No charges have been filed yet.

PHOTO GALLERY

BEST 5 BUCKS YOU’LL SPEND

Click image to enlarge

Avon – This Saturday the Avon Police and Avon Firefighters will once again battle it out on the ball field for bragging rights and also for a good cause. All proceeds from Saturday’s game will benefit cancer patients at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Fairview Hospital and the Karen P. Nakon Foundation.

All Pro Freight Stadium will once again play host to this event that will be held Saturday afternoon.

Gates open at 4 p.m. with a Celebrity game slated for 5 p.m. and the main event beginning at 7 p.m.

FIREWORKS will follow the game.

All of this for only $5.00 – kids under the age of 15 get in for FREE!

To see photos from last year’s event: CLICK HERE

BURGERS & BRATS!!

HIT SKIP ON BRIAR LAKE

NOW HOW DO WE FIND
THE CAR THAT SKIPPED?

This one might actually win our “D’OH” award for the year. A woman traveling on Briar Lake Drive in Elyria early Sunday morning struck the rear end of a car parked on the side of the road. When the neighbors ran outside to see what had happened the female driving backed up and continued driving.

When Police showed up it wasn’t difficult to find the woman as she left a trail of antifreeze and other fluids leading right into her garage. When Police pounded on the door however nobody answered.

Neighbors who saw her leaving the scene said that she is a 27 year old Emergency Room Nurse and that she has not lived in the neighborhood very long, maybe just a year or more.

Police said the crash is under investigation and they will visit the woman again.

PHOTO GALLERY