TEEN CHARGED FOR INDUCING PANIC

Elyria – Two males were taken into custody late Saturday night after one of them fired off a gun by the old Dairy Mart on Lake Ave near Chestnut.

Police received a tip from a citizen that two black males were on the side of the old Dairy Mart on Lake Ave with a gun. The man told Police that one of the two males fired the gun several times pointing south. The male who fired the gun tossed it into a white car that left the scene at a high rate of speed. The two teens began walking south on Lake towards the Police Station heading into downtown.

The two teens were spotted quickly by Police just after the railroad overpass near the back lot of Muny Court. Officers surrounded the suspects and ordered them to the ground. Both suspects were searched and cuffed.

One of the two teens, 17 year old Clint Jackson of Elyria, matched the description given by the witness exactly. Jackson and his friend 17 year old Que Gray of Elyria, were both taken to the Elyria Police Department. Gray was later released to family while Jackson was taken to the Lorain County Jail and charged with Inducing Panic and Discharging a Firearm.

Police stopped and searched a white car in the parking lot of Shopway at Lake and Furnace but no weapon was found.

A 9 mm shell casing was found in the parking lot of Dairy Mart.


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REAR ENDER STARTS CAR FIRE

Story & Photos by: BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – What at first appeared to be a minor to moderate three car rear-ender ended up with one of the vehicles on fire.

The collision occurred on South Abbe Road at Taylor Street Saturday night at 5:30 when Sherry Day of Elyria ran into the back of a 2006 Chevy Avalon that was stopped at the traffic light. The collision caused the Avalon to push forward and strike another vehicle.

Day remained inside of her vehicle as everyone began calling 9-1-1 and their families. One of the victims then noticed that Day’s Durango was smoking heavily from the engine compartment. They tried to get Day to get out of the truck but she did not believe the car was on fire. Bystanders then became more aggressive with her when the flames started kicking out from under the hood.

She eventually agreed that she would be better off outside of the vehicle and exited.

Although Day and another driver complained of neck and back pains at the scene both refused treatment or transport to the hospital.


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WINTER STORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has now issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for a mix of SNOW, SLEET and FREEZING RAIN for our area. The WARNING is in effect from 10 PM this evening until 7 PM Wednesday evening.

Snow will develop this evening and continue through the night. Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches can be expected tonight ahead of the warm front.

Snow will continue on Tuesday but is expected to be light in intensity as the first wave of snow moves east of the area. The snow will then increase in intensity again late Tuesday afternoon into the evening. However, due to warm air moving north ahead of the storm system the snow will become mixed with sleet and freezing rain Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The mixed precipitation will reduce the amount of snow accumulation south of the Lake Shore. Freezing Rain will cause ice to accumulate on exposed untreated surfaces.

Ice will accumulated around one quarter of an inch where the freezing rain develops. However amounts of ice accumulation between one quarter and one half inch are possible, mainly across the southern tier areas.

Total Storm Snow accumulation will be around 3 inches across the south and around 12 inches near the Lake Shore.

The Storm System will move east of the area Wednesday afternoon changing any mixed precipitation over to all snow. The snow will taper off gradually to light snow towards Wednesday evening.

CONGRATULATIONS CHIEF KUCIREK

Amherst – Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Joseph Kucirek went from being a Lieutenant to the Chief of the Amherst Police Department in a matter of minutes last Saturday at noon. Although the swearing in by Amherst Mayor David Taylor only took 2 minutes the road to the ceremony took much longer.

Kucirek began his career as a Police Officer with the Amherst Police Department in 1989 as a Patrolman. Just four years later he jumped to Sergeant and in 2001 he was promoted to Lieutenant.

Although there was no history of law enforcement in the Kucirek family, the new Chief said there were plenty of Officers around to help influence him. “My Dad always had a bunch of Policemen as friends. Many from Lorain, especially the ones that were golfers because my Dad was a golf pro and they would go on golfing trips to Florida – so they were always around. I really admired them and the work that they did so I decided that was what I wanted to do early on. Now my Dad was slightly disappointed because of the money I would be making instead of becoming a pro golfer where I could have made a couple hundred thousand dollars by winning one tournament. But I knew Police work was what I wanted to do.”

Through the years Kucirek has been involved in just about every aspect of the Police Department. He has been a member of the SWAT TEAM and Drug Task Force. He said that he is grateful to have had so many opportunities afforded to him with the department. “I’ve gone to the FBI Academy and so many other training schools all over the United States and have learned so much and met so many people. My plan is to take those experiences and call on the people I have met to draw on their experiences. Networking is very important to this job and to this Department. I honestly believe that if we don’t network with people outside of the City, if we just stick with our own we’re not going to go anywhere. So I’ll be calling on those resources to help benefit our Department.”

As much as he said he will miss the time working with the Detectives and SWAT he is ready to move onto the next challenge – running the Department. But for those who think he will be rotting away behind his desk you can think again. Not too long ago Kucirek had to dig into his closet and dust off the old uniform as he hit the road to cover for a Sergeant on a night shift. He said that will be happening again. “Working that shift was interesting. I had to have someone come out and show me all the electronic stuff in the car. The last time I was working in a patrol car we didn’t have the video cameras or computers, it had been a long time. It was an eye opening experience so yes I hope to get out and do that more.”

Kucirek said he is looking forward to the next chapter in his Police career and to all of the challenges ahead of him. When asked if he ever regrets not chasing the golf dream and becoming the Chi Chi Rodriquez making tons of money in tournaments he quickly answers; “No, not at all. I’m right where I want to be.”


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TEENS BUSTED FOR RIOT

Elyria – Police took five teenagers into custody late Saturday night after a disturbance on Holly Lane.
Police were called to the parking lot outside of Holly Hall around 11:20 Saturday night for reports of a disturbance and shots fired.

While responding Police were told that a black male had fired a gun into the air and that he was getting into a dark colored pickup truck. As Officers arrived they found the truck with 5 black males inside and outside yelling at the crowd of nearly 200 people in the parking lot. Police quickly called for additional units for back up.

One group of Officers began searching and detaining the 5 males at the truck while another group of Officers had to back up the large crowd from the area. One female who continued to refuse orders from the Police, swearing at them, was taken into custody.

While Officers were removing the passenger of the pickup truck a small Highpoint 9MM fell onto the ground. That male, who claimed he didn’t know anything about the gun, was charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Receiving Stolen Property, Aggravated Riot and Possession of Marijuana.

The other teens were charged with Aggravated Riot.


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MAN STABBED ON WOOD ST

Elyria – An Elyria man was stabbed with a kitchen knife Saturday night after an argument with another male.

Police received a call of a man being stabbed in the 500 block of Wood Street just before 10 p.m. Saturday night. As Officers arrived they found the victim and suspect outside on the street. The suspect, 31 year old Eric Boone of Elyria, was taken into custody while the victim was being tended to by neighbors and family.

The victim, who was bleeding profusely from the arm and hand, told Police that he had been arguing with Boone just before he grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed him.

Police located the knife on the roadway in the snow.

Boone was charged with Felonious Assault.

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FIRE DESTROYS WATER ST GARAGE

Elyria – A garage, car and contents were destroyed Saturday evening after fire broke out inside the garage in the 100 block of Water Street in Elyria.

Elyria Firefighters responded to the call early Saturday evening and could see smoke pouring into the sky from downtown Elyria. Firefighters began pulling lines to protect surrounding structures while others attacked the blaze.

The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes and no injuries were reported.

The Elyria Fire Department is investigating the cause of the blaze.


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COUPLE ARRESTED ON WOODLAND

Elyria – Police arrested 19 year old Claud Inge and his girlfriend 22 year old Jessica Truxall early Saturday morning after a domestic dispute at Truxall’s home on Woodland Ave.

Police responded to 358 Woodland Ave after Truxall’s step-father called saying that Inge was assaulting her and that he had a gun.

When Police arrived they heard the disturbance inside but had to force their way into the home. Once inside they were able to secure Inge and found a 9MM handgun, with a round in the chamber, in his pocket.

While taking Inge into custody Truxall continued to yell at Officers to leave him alone telling them the gun and drugs were hers. At one point Truxall swung at two Officers. Truxall was arrested for Assault.

Inge was charged with Aggravated Menacing and Having Weapons Under Disability.


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WINTER WEATHER ALERT

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a WINTER STORM WATCH for our area. The WATCH will be in effect from Monday evening through Wednesday morning.

Snow will begin to spread into the area Monday evening along a warm front. Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible by Tuesday morning with the first surge of snow.

The intensity of the snow will diminish Tuesday afternoon as the first surge of snow moves to the east of our area. The strong storm system will approach the region later Tuesday afternoon and spread a second surge of snow into the region Tuesday night.

Additional snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches are possible Tuesday night. However, the snow is expected to become mixed with sleet and freezing rain Tuesday night and then possible change over to all rain by Wednesday morning. The rain will continue Wednesday morning and change back to all snow Wednesday afternoon.

There is a possibility that the snow could change over to all freezing earlier than expected and the potential exists for significant ice accumulations by Wednesday morning.

FIRE GUTS SHEFFIELD LAKE GARAGE

Story & Photos by: BRIAN WOODS
Sheffield Lake – A fire ripped through a West Drive garage in Sheffield Lake early Wednesday morning destroying the garage and a nearby pickup truck.

Sheffield Lake Firefighters were called to the area of West Dr and Ferndale Ave by someone driving by who reported a garage on fire. When Firefighters rolled up on scene they found the garage at 805 West Drive fully involved and threatening nearby structures.

As lines were being pulled Firefighters began protecting surrounding exposures while others took on the task of extinguishing the garage fire. With the exception of melting siding there was no significant damage to the other structures.

Automatic Mutual Aid brought Firefighters from Sheffield Village, Avon and Avon Lake. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and was called out a short time later.

The homeowner and his pet were able to get out of the house without injury.


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SHE JUST KEPT GOING AND GOING...

Elyria – Police arrested a 36 year old Wintersville, Ohio woman early Saturday morning after she failed to stop for them and led them on slow speed chase.

Police first spotted Carrie Schilling at the intersection of Broad and Cedar. While at the red light Schilling grew tired of waiting and pulled out of line, went around another vehicle and turned onto Cedar where two Police Officers were sitting. The Officers turned on their lights and siren in an attempt to stop the woman but as she turned onto Second Street from Cedar she just kept going and going.

After blowing through multiple traffic lights and signs with a string of Police cars following close behind Schilling made a left turn onto West Ridge Road and then a left into the parking lot of The Pub. It was in the back parking lot that Police blocked her in and took her into custody.

Schilling was charged with Failure to Comply with a Police Order, Obstructing Official Business, Reckless Operation and numerous other traffic violations.


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WATCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING

Eaton Township – When driving you should always WATCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING. This could be in a car, on a bike or even on a snowmobile. You never know when you will run across that pesky fence.

Two men were snowmobiling late Saturday night in Eaton Township near Midview High School and everything was going well until that chain link fence snuck up on them.

Eaton Township Firefighters were called to the grounds behind the high school after the two men went through a fence post and a chain link fence. It was actually more like they went under the fence then through it. The collision ripped the two men off of the sled throwing them into the snowy field.

Firefighters treated both men at the scene before transporting them to Elyria Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. Both men were released the next morning.

While the men were being treated Deputies from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Officer made the trek out across the field to retrieve the cracked up sled. Once they inspected the crash site they returned with the snowmobile for it to be towed from the scene.

Deputies at the scene said they would decide on charges after their investigation.


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EARLY MORNING CRASH TRAPS WOMAN

Eaton Township – A two car crash early Saturday morning at Chestnut Ridge Road and Route 57 trapped one victim who had to be LifeFlighted from the scene.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash occurred when 26 year old Leah MacDonald of Elyria ran a flashing red light while traveling west on Chestnut in her 1992 Grand Marquis. MacDonald collided with 25 year old Brandon Fisher of Amherst. Fisher was traveling north on 57 and had a flashing yellow light when the collision occurred.

The damage to MacDonald’s car was so severe she was trapped inside. Firefighters from the Eaton Township Fire Department worked for approximately one hour to free her.

Once freed MacDonald was flown from the scene by Metro LifeFlight to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland where her condition was listed as critical late Saturday night.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing but the State Patrol said that alcohol and drugs do not appear to have played a part in the crash. They also said MacDonald failed to yield the right away to Fisher.

PHOTO GALLERY (Photos are courtesy TIMOTHY HOUSTON)

HISTORY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Elyria – Marcus Thomas, the man charged with Felonious Assault in connection with the crash that left his girlfriend Erika Malone in critical condition Sunday, has a history of Domestic Violence.

In January of 2007 Police were called to 910 Lake Ave after Erika Malone, the same victim from last Sunday night, reporting that “Marcus Thomas was breaking items in the house – causing a disturbance.”

Officer spoke with Malone who told them that Marcus Thomas, the father of her child assaulted her. Malone stated that Thomas was upset over the fact that Malone allowed her sister to use her vehicle. Malone stated that Thomas became very upset and began tearing up the residence. Officers did observe several broken glasses in the kitchen and the refrigerator was tipped forward spilling all of the contents. Malone told police Thomas then tried to take her cell phone from her. Thomas then pulled Malone’s hair as she tried to push him off of her.

Malone told Officers that Thomas also came at her with a broom stick, poured bleach all over the floor, flipped the refrigerator, broke picture frames, slapped her in the face, bit her arm and scratched her neck. Officers did state in their report that they did not see any physical injuries on Malone.

Malone told Police that she did want to sign Domestic Violence charges on Thomas.

Officers found Tomas a few moments later down the street and stopped him. Thomas denied ever touching Malone. Officers observed a cut to Thomas’ lip; he told them that Malone had bit him.

Once Thomas was taken into custody Officers searched him and found a baggie with 6.0 grams of Marijuana.

Due to the severity of the damages in the house Officers believed that Thomas posed a serious threat to Malone if released.

Thomas plead No Contest on his charges and was sentenced to 90 days in jail with 88 days suspended. Pay all fines and costs to the court. Obtain Domestic Violence counseling as recommended and monitored by probation. Obey all laws for two years. Pay restitution to Malone for damages to the home.

The court also ordered Thomas to have no contact with Malone until he completed a “family violence program.”

COOKIES CAUSE CAUTIOUS CHAOS

Story & Photos by: BRIAN WOODS
North Ridgeville – A suspicious package was discovered by a local resident on top of a mailbox at the Post Office on Route 20 in North Ridgeville Monday night. Police first responded and saw the suspicious package before calling out the Bomb Squad.

Operating on the side of caution North Ridgeville Firefighters, the Lorain County Bomb Squad and the Director of Lorain County Emergency Management and Homeland Security were all dispatched to the scene.

With a portion of Route 20 closed down the Bomb Squad Robot was sent to the mailbox to examine the package. With the video camera attached to the Robot Officials were able to determine quickly that the package was a tin of cookies.

One man caught in traffic, Michael Bowman, told TMC NEWS that even though they were held up due to traffic they were glad Officials were cautious. “We live in a new time, there are plenty of nuts out there and I am just glad these guys take these things seriously. Had that been a bomb and a cop just opened it up or tossed it off the box then we’d have a totally different deal here.”


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FIRE STRIKES COLUMBIA HOME

Story & Photos by BRIAN WOODS
Columbia Township – Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions spent hours battling a blaze on Mitchell Road in Columbia Township late Sunday night.

As the first Firefighters were arriving they were able to see the glow from the fire about a mile away. Once on scene they reported heavy fire shooting through the roof of the home.

Firefighters were able to get the fire extinguished within two hours.

Neighbors say the family was in West Virginia last night with their dog.

No injuries were reported.

Columbia Township Fire Department received Mutual Aid assistance from Eaton Township, Carlisle Township and Olmsted Falls.


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SUSPECT FOUND AND CHARGED

Elyria – The Elyria Police Department has charged 27 year old Marcus Thomas with Felonious Assault in connection to the assault on his girlfriend 26 year old Erika Malone of Elyria Sunday night.

Lieutenant Andy Eichenlaub of the Elyria Police Department said Police were initially called to the 200 block of Carol Lane for a traffic crash. When Officers arrived he stated they found Malone lying on the ground covered in blankets provided by neighbors who came to her aid. Witnesses told Officers the driver had fled on foot.

An extensive search of the area by Police throughout the neighborhood did not turn up the suspect at that time.

While Police were searching LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters were treating Malone in the roadway for her injuries that we have learned included multiple stab wounds. While at the scene Paramedics requested a helicopter be dispatched to Elyria Memorial for Malone.

Shortly after LifeCare transported Malone to Elyria Memorial Hospital Emergency Room she was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Throughout the evening Police continued their search for Thomas working on tips they were receiving.

At 1:39 a.m. Police received a tip that Thomas was hiding in the rafters of a garage in the 1200 block of South Abbe Road, just 1 mile from the crash site.

Police surrounded the garage with guns drawn and K-9 Stuka at the door. Several attempts by Officers to talk Thomas down from the rafters failed. Officers then entered the garage and began their climb into the rafters continuing to ask Thomas to give himself up. Even a blast of pepper spray couldn’t get Thomas to give himself up.

Once Officers made their way into the rafters they found Thomas lying down and were able to take him into custody without incident.

Officer transported Thomas to the Police Station where he was charged with Felonious Assault and then transported to the Lorain County Jail. Thomas will remain in the jail until his arraignment.

Police say the garage belonged to a friend of Thomas and that he had a key to enter the garage.


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STABBING SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

DEVELOPING
Elyria – The man believed to have stabbed his girlfriend on Carol Lane Sunday night was captured by Elyria Police Officers just hours after the incident and just one mile from the scene.

Police acting on a tip found the man hiding in the rafters of a garage on South Abbe Road just after 2 a.m. Monday morning.

Check back later today for more on this story and a complete PHOTO GALLERY

ELYRIA WOMAN STABBED ON CAROL

DEVELOPING STORY
Elyria Police are searching for a man who stabbed a 25 year old female earlier tonight on the cities southeast side.

Police and Paramedics were initially called to the intersection of Carol Lane and Ashland Ave for a reported motor vehicle crash. When they arrived they found the female with multiple stab wounds on the ground being comforted by people from the neighborhood.

Neighbors told TMC NEWS they heard a crash and when they looked out they saw the car against a tree and a man wearing a stocking hat was running eastbound towards South Abbe Road.

Police searched the area extensively but was unable to locate the suspect in the neighborhood.

The victim was treated on scene by LifeCare Paramedics before being transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital. The victim was then flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland where her condition is unknown at this time.

Check back later for more information and a complete PHOTO GALLERY

WANTED: TWO PUPPY THIEVES

Elyria – HAVE YOU SEEN THESE TWO MEN? The two men shown in the photo above are wanted for the theft of a puppy from Best in Pets on North Abbe Road in Elyria.

Best in Pets store owner Greg Kiesner told Police that the two men entered his store on Friday at 12:15 p.m.; the two men walk towards the back of the store and Kiesner said they were acting suspiciously. Kiesner was dealing with another customer at the time but said he was trying to keep an eye on the men.

After the two men left the store and Kiesner was finished with his other customer he began looking around and discovered that a female Mini Yorkie puppy, valued at $700.00, had been taken.

A review of the store surveillance cameras show the two men enter the store, walk up to the display and remove the puppy. The men then walked towards the back of the store, walk up a front isle and exit the store with the puppy tucked under a jacket.

Kiesner has the surveillance photos hanging inside of his store hoping that someone will recognize the suspects.

If you know either of these two men or have any information on the puppy theft please contact the Elyria Police Department at 440.323.3302.


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GIRL STABBED IN ROLLING DOMESTIC

Lorain – A Lorain woman was stabbed above the eye late Saturday night during a fight inside of a car on South Broadway.

Lorain County 9-1-1 Operators were first receiving calls of a traffic crash on Middle Ridge Road near West Ridge Road from people passing by. As Rescuers were responding they were updated the crash might be on the Route 2 overpass. Then word came that the incident was actually a stabbing and not a crash.

As State Troopers arrived on scene they found the suspect south of the scene near one of the off ramps – he was quickly taken into custody.

Troopers began sorting through the details after the suspect was secured and learned from the victim and family members that had arrived after the incident that it was her brother that had stabbed her. They also learned that the woman struck her brother first during the argument. The vehicle had stopped on the overpass and when they exited the vehicle the brother had opened a small pocket knife and stabbed his sister just above the right eye.

LifeCare Paramedics treated the woman at the scene before transporting her to Mercy Regional Medical Center in Lorain. Her brother was turned over at the scene to Lorain Police. Police said at the scene that the female will also likely be charged with Domestic Violence.


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WOMAN INJURED AFTER ROLLING CAR

Amherst Township – An Oberlin woman was injured after she crashed and rolled her car on Oberlin Road, north of Route 113 Thursday afternoon.

Trooper Mandy Rodriquez of the Ohio State Highway Patrol 66 year old Nancy Mooers of Oberlin was traveling north on Oberlin Road when she lost control of her Kia Rio and went off the right side of the road just before rolling over coming to rest on its roof.

The problems for Mooers began a short time before the crash Rodriquez said. “One of the witnesses stated that he helped Mooers get her car out of a ditch on Oberlin Road near Russia Road. After helping her he was concerned that maybe she shouldn’t be driving but she told him that she was fine and left.”

The witness began following Mooers on Oberlin Road but told Rodriguez that at some point she just took off. By the time he caught up to her she had already crashed.

LifeCare Paramedics began treating Mooers, one Paramedic climbed into the overturned car to assist Mooers while South Amherst Firefighters assisted in extricating her.

Once out of the car Mooers was transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital where she was later taken by ground to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Rodriquez said no charges have been determined at this point while the investigation is ongoing.


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EMT CHARGED IN TRAFFIC FATALITY

Grafton Township – The Emergency Medical Technician that was involved in the September 15th crash that killed 82 year old Zygmut Pacyna has been charged with two misdemeanors.

Richard Robertson was charged with Vehicular Homicide (M1) and Vehicular Manslaughter (M2).

Robertson was driving a Grafton Township Fire Department Ambulance on September 15th south on Island Road with a patient and another EMT in the back of the ambulance heading to the hospital. When Robertson came to the intersection of Island and Route 303, where he had a stop sign, he did not come to a complete stop before crossing the intersection. Pacyna was traveling east on Route 303 as he approached the intersection of Island Road which does not have a stop sign. State Patrol Officials say that Robertson was traveling approximately 20 MPH while Pacyna was traveling approximately 53 MPH.

The law says that Robertson had the duty to show “due regard” and they believe he did not in this case.

Robertson has plead not guilty and will be in court for a pre-trial hearing before Judge Lisa Locke Graves on March 1, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.


VIEW CRASH STORY

BRIEF CHASE ENDS IN CRASH

Elyria Township – A brief chase through Elyria Township early Tuesday morning ended with the suspect crashing into a pole at Lake Ave and Griswold Road.

The suspect flew by a Lorain County Deputy on Lake Ave at speeds near 90 MPH. An attempt to stop the suspect failed and other Departments, including Elyria and the State Patrol, began responding to the area to assist the Deputy. When the suspect tried to make a turn onto Griswold from Lake Ave he slide into a utility pole and disabled his car. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Elyria Township Firefighters were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect but he refused any treatment or transport.

While at the scene the suspect just kept repeating, “that was so stupid of me.”

The man was charged with the speed and fleeing and the Sheriff’s Department is investigating if there was another reason the man fled.

BUILT FORD TOUGH

Story & Photos by: BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – There were no injuries in a single vehicle roll over on Route 57 in Elyria late Sunday night, as a matter of fact the truck escaped with minor injuries as well.

Elyria Police say 21 year old Kyle Reed of Grafton was driving his 2006 Ford F-150 southbound on Route 57 near North Abbe Road when he lost control of his truck. Reed told Police that he was switching lanes when he hit an ice patch and lost control. Reed’s truck slide off the right side of the road, rolled up an embankment where he struck a fence and utility pole. The truck came to rest on the driver’s side. Reed was able to get out of the vehicle on his own and unharmed.

Reed’s truck was rolled back onto its wheels by Mug’s Elyria Towing and once Reed received his Operating without Reasonable Control citation he was back on his way. That’s one tough truck.

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ELYRIA BAR OWNER KILLED IN CRASH

Story & Photos by: BRIAN WOODS
Grafton Township – A single car crash on Erhart Road in Grafton Township left one woman dead and her husband, the owner of Pudges, in the hospital.

Trooper Charlie Jackson of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that 75 year old George Diederich was traveling east on Erhart Road in Grafton Township when he lost control and went off the right side of the road. The car went into a ditch and rolled over before coming to rest partly in the ditch and partly on the roadway.

Witnesses say that Diederich was standing outside of his car when Firefighters arrived on scene. Firefighters found Diedrich’s wife, 53 year old Jean Ann Diederich, pinned inside of the car on the passenger side. At first they requested Metro LifeFlight be put on standby but soon realized that she had already passed away.

Grafton Township Firefighters treated George Diederich at the scene before transporting him to Medina Hospital Emergency Room.

Jackson said neither of the Diederich’s were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. An odor of alcohol was on George Diederich’s person and when asked Diederich told Jackson that he had been drinking earlier in the evening. Blood test results will be back later this week according to Jackson.


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CAR THOUGHT TO BE METH LAB

Story & Photos by BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – A find by a Trooper during a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike early Saturday morning caused great concern for officials.

The traffic stop performed by a State Trooper turned up a bag filled with items associated with a meth lab. The bag was being held by a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the stop.

“This was a situation where everyone felt it better to take every precaution we could just in case,” said Tom Kelley, Lorain County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director. “Believing that the car might be a rolling Meth Lab and that there might be additional items in the trunk as with most rolling Meth Labs, we called in the Drug Enforcement Agency to conduct the search.”

The fear was that there might be lethal gases inside of the trunk and in some cases the trunks are booby-trapped in case Police search them.

After a careful and thorough search by DEA Agents, wearing special masks, nothing additional was found in the trunk. The driver and passenger were taken into custody for the items found in the car and the Ohio State Patrol is continuing their investigation into the situation.

Elyria Police and Elyria Firefighters were also on scene assisting the State Patrol.

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FIRE STRIKES CARLISLE HOME

Carlisle Township – An early morning fire Thursday sent a family running for safety from their Oakwood Street home in Carlisle Township.

Chief Kevin Dembiec of the Carlisle Township Fire Department said that three adults, two kids and several family pets were in the home when the fire broke out. “Something woke them up and they were able to get everybody together and out of the house safely. Right now they are staying across the street at a neighbor’s home.” Dembiec said all but one kitten is accounted for and is calling the kitten missing in action at this point.

Carlisle Firefighters made a quick attack on the blaze that was shooting out of the front of the home when they pulled up on scene. “Our guys were able to get the fire under control quickly and then completely knocked down shortly after.”

Dembiec said that Fire Investigators will be at the home at first light to search for the cause of the fire.

Mutual aid was provided by Elyria, Eaton Township and Oberlin at the scene. LaGrange Township covered the Carlisle Fire Station during the fire.

No injuries were reported.


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MAN ROBBED AT ELYRIA MOTEL

Story & Photo by BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – A Chicago man that was in Elyria for a meeting at Invacare reported being robbed at gunpoint late Tuesday night in the parking lot of Best Western.

The man told Police that he had arrived at the Best Western just before 11 p.m. As he was getting out of his car and began pulling his bags out of the back seat he felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned around he saw a man pointing a black and silver handgun at him demanding his cash. The man turned over $150.00 and then the suspect fled on foot towards Wendy’s.

The man described the suspect as a black male in his 30’s with medium complexion, grey stocking hat and a red or orange checkered plaid jacket.

Police arrived within two minutes of the call searched the area, including surveillance cameras, but were unable to locate the suspect.

ALL CLEAR AT EPD

Elyria – An ALL CLEAR has been given at the Elyria Police Station following a scare after a suspicious package was found inside of a car parked in their lot.

Members of the Lorain County Bomb Squad gave the all clear to Police just moments ago determining that the package contained no danger - only a hat and a coat.

West Ave, between Broad Street and Chestnut, which had been closed during the investigation, is now open to traffic. While the road was blocked traffic on Broad was back up at times to Cedar Street.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE FOUND IN CAR

HAPPENING NOW: On scene at the Elyria Police Department where a suspicious package has been discovered inside of a silver car parked in their lot. West Ave from Broad St to Chestnut is now blocked as a precaution. 

The car is parked in one of the visitors parking spots close to the building. 

More details and photos later on TMC NEWS.