SHORT PURSUIT ENDS IN LORAIN

SPIKE STRIP SLOWS DRUNK DRIVER DOWN

Lorain – A Lorain man was arrested Saturday night after a short, slow speed pursuit with Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Trooper Al Marcum of the State Patrol said that he initially attempted to stop the man in Elyria for a simple traffic violation – Marked Lanes, a misdemeanor.

Once Marcum activated his lights the driver, Michael R. Casella of Lorain, just kept going. Speeds never really topped 45 but as much as Marcum and others would try Casella just wouldn’t stop.

At one point Casella was north on West River Road north heading for Route 254. The Elyria Post Commander, Lieutenant Travis Hughes, was able to get into position and throw out a set of spike strips. It was a good throw as Casella drover right over them blowing out his passenger side front and rear tires. However, Casella continued towards Lorain laying down pieces of tires along the way.

Casella made a turn onto East 42nd Street near the old Southview High School, then onto Meadow Lane where he simply pulled into the driveway of his parent’s home. Troopers, along with Police Officers from Lorain, were able to take Casella into custody.

Casella’s passenger was checked and released by Troopers at the scene. The man told Troopers that he begged Casella numerous times to stop.

Troopers charged Casella with OVI, Driving Under Suspension, Marked Lanes and Fleeing.


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