MAN SHOT AT BEEBE STREET HOME

DEVELOPING
Elyria – An Elyria man was shot in the back on Beebe Street in Elyria early Monday morning has been flown to Cleveland.


Elyria Police were called to the 100 block of Beebe after a teenager called to say their dad had been shot. While responding Officers were told that the suspect had fled the scene.

LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated the man at the scene for a gunshot wound to his back. He was then transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital where he was flown a short time later to Cleveland.


Police Detectives were called out to begin their investigation into the shooting. The initial description of the suspect given to Police was a black male.


More details will be posted as they become available.




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THE ONE’S TO BEAT THIS YEAR AT THE K5K

With the Kerstetter 5K RUN / FAMILY WALK sneaking up on us – just a little over one month to go – here are the two people everyone will be gunning for this year. Tyler Kvach came in Top Over All in the men’s division with a time of 16.39 and Alexa Rick was Top Over All in the Women’s division with a time of 19.37.

One of the many new things we are doing this year is we have changed to a Bib System for timing. We will have the results faster and will also post a complete list of times of all of the runners that finish the race on the K5K website.

Visit the Kerstetter 5K Run / Walk event page on Facebook

SUNDAYS WITH JASON!

Row row row your boat. This weather has awakened my senses and rekindled my angst and ever-so-dark sense of humor. Why? So I was just minding my own business (like I always do), taking a walk down my street, when a bolt of lightning struck a tree right over my head. Sparks and hellfire and brimstone sprayed on the street, then the sound of cracking and snapping made it quite obvious that all I could do is yell, "timberrrrrrr"!

I watched the fiery, blaze as nature's once tall and proud soldier fell toward the ground; my life flashed before my eyes. All I could think of was "this would be a great reason to start writing for TMC again." And if you believe that......then you'll believe anything! Haha. So how have you been? I believe the term "gone fishin" is appropriate. So I went fishing, ice fishing, fell through and was instantly preserved! It took the torrential downpours from this "spring" to float me back over to LoCo (Lorain county) and thaw me out.

So what's new? If I try to play catch up, I'll never be able to focus on the week at hand. Let's talk shop, just for a moment. You in?

So God works in mysterious ways – which was quite evident in the fire that came upon the "Libra Capri". I used to work down the street from this building on Adelbert. It changed names several times and always had interesting spelling violations on its ever-changing sign. Wet t-shirt contests, ladieez nite, ugh. Though the marquee changed, one thing was constant. The building was ugly as sin and I wouldn't walk in it if I was on fire and they had the only working faucet in the town. Stop, drop and roll....I know. So I believe that God was probably doing a survey of creation, checking off the good and looking at the bad, and maybe stumbled across that eye sore. So maybe he found it fit to point his awesome finger down to the land and fire the smite missile! If you look at those photos, it's an obvious case of combustion. Only God could do that. Or a well executed arson attempt. You decide. No one was hurt, that is good. Now the question remains, will it remain a pile of ash or will we get something useful there (no not another bar) perhaps a taco bell! Haha, I can't even think of a good entrepreneurial venture for that space. If I say good riddance, is that mean? Well Good Riddance.

The shots fired on High street makes me wonder one thing – ELYRIA, WHAT IS HAPPENING TO YOU? Where are these people coming from? Shooting, breaking and entering, children being caught up in all of it. I don't pull any punches on Lorain, as an Elyria native, but we're starting to lose our grip here. I am not a fan of the trash walk known as downtown Elyria after midnight. Bar after bar after bar after bar, it's a big yucky hotbed of nastiness and a breeding ground for domestic disturbances. But that used to be all my beef was. Now, you're rebuilding schools and offices and hip hip hooray! So let's get a little bit of pride in our steps, lift up our double chins and take the initiative to clean up these streets. "But Jason, how?" How now, brown cow? Wait, did you just call me fat? Anyway, my idea may be a bit off the deep end, maybe a tad avant garde. But this will work. If you have one of "those" neighbors, you know the kind, the rabble rousers, the riff-raff, the trouble makers; you need to lure them out of their house first. Set their belongings outside on the tree lawn and set fire to their house! Okay, okay. Don't do that. I think the whole city would be eradicated, because you're probably that "riff-raff"' to someone else on the block. The point is, we can't let these kind of instances define what our city or town is. I know that's cliche, but it's also real. There are good things happening, and when we see bad news or even not-so-happy news, we have to remember that good news is happening everywhere, all day. If we all focus on making good news in our lives, how would bad news ever happen? Think on that!

Hey everyone, remember to keep up with TMC on all of the great causes you can be a part of with the Kerstetter memorial events. This is what brings communities together and what wards the evils of this world off!

I know I was tame and missed a couple beats, but I'm the tin man; heartless and yet tender, and totally rusty from being left outside too long. So allow me to get limber again, then I'll be here, ax in hand and not taking any prisoners. But you know I'll get you to the wizard, one way or another!! God bless you all this week!

There's no place like home-

Jason 

FIRE DESTROYS OLD NIGHTCLUB ON LAKE

Elyria Township – An early morning fire on Lake Ave destroyed the old Libra Capri nightclub building and now has County Fire Investigators busy trying to determine the cause of the blaze.


Elyria Township Firefighters were called to the corner of Lake Ave and Rambler just after 1 a.m. after people passing by called 9-1-1 reporting a structure fire. Lorain County Sheriff’s Deputies were first to arrive and found fire pouring out of nearly every window in the front of the building that was actually located at Lake and Adelbert, just one block south of Rambler.

Firefighters began surrounding the structure hitting it with water but knowing that the entire structure was about to go. Mutual Aid brought additional Firefighters and equipment from Sheffield Village, Sheffield Lake, Avon, Elyria, Amherst and Sheffield Township. Avon and Elyria attacked the fire from above with their aerial trucks while other Firefighters attacked from the ground.


Although sides of the structure began collapsing all around the building no Firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.


The fire was called knocked down just before 4 a.m.


Members of the Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross were on scene to assist the Firefighters in their rehab.


PHOTO GALLERY

SHOTS FIRED IN HIGH STREET HOME

Elyria – Elyria Police are investigating a break in and shooting that occurred at 83 High Street early Wednesday morning.

Donte Tillman told Police that he was sitting at the kitchen table inside of the residence when he heard a boom from the back door. Tillman said he realized someone was trying to gain entry to the residence so he ran to the back of the house grabbing one of the children in the house and laid on top of them in a back bedroom. Tillman said he then heard 5 gunshots ring out.

Police then questioned the homeowner Akela Tillman who advised she was lying in her bed talking with Prince Brown about their day. She said they heard two loud bangs from the rear of her residence and then two black males entered dressed in all black and yelled this is a robbery give me your shit. Tillman advised she could not identify the suspects by face but said she would remember their voices.

Once the call was made to Police at 12:22 a.m. about the shooting Dispatchers sounded an alert tone and gave out the call. Two Officers were in the area and spotted a car speeding away from the area and stopped it at Bell & 57. The car contained Donte Tillman and Prince Brown. A third man had jumped from the car and ran away. The two men were returned to 83 High Street to speak with Officers investigating the incident.

After inspecting the inside of the house Officers found shell casings and slugs, some inside of Tillman’s bedroom. Akela Tillman later told Officers that she fired a handgun two times to scare the intruders off. When asked where the gun was she advised that her uncle came to pick it up prior to the Officers arrival. She was told by Police to turn the guy over to Officers by 6 a.m. At the time the report was written the gun had not been turned over to Police.

Police are still investigating the incident.

2011 LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

On June 20th, members of law enforcement agencies from Lorain County will once again participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The Torch Run began in 1981 and has grown to include law enforcement officers from all fifty states and over twenty five countries around the world.

Open to all law enforcement personnel
(family members or significant others of law enforcement personnel are also welcome)
Tax deductible donations benefit Ohio Special Olympics
$25.00 donation per participant includes t-shirt

In Ohio, Torch Run participants run or cycle over a planned route covering the state and leading to the Opening Ceremonies, carrying the Torch through a series of relays. The culmination of the run is the Final Leg in which all legs of the relay come together and carry the Torch to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games, which are held in Columbus.

Special Olympics Ohio is a not-for-profit organization that provides year round sports training and competition in a variety of sports to over 20,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout the state. Special Olympics provides them with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, confidence, and courage.

Anyone who would like to help support this event can contact Lt. Vince Abt or Det. Josh Riley of the North Ridgeville Police Department at 440-327-2191. Tax deductible donations can also be sent to their attention at the police department, 7307 Avon Belden Rd., North Ridgeville Ohio 44039. Checks should be made out to “Special Olympics Ohio.” Donations can be made anytime up to June 19th.

ELYRIA POLICE OFFICER ATTACKED

Elyria – A Cleveland man has been charged with an Assault on a Police Officer after he attacked an Officer inside of the Elyria Police Department’s Jail Sunday morning.


Elyria Police responded to a call for help at 1864 Middle Ave early Sunday morning and arrested 29 year old Anthony Thomas of Cleveland on a warrant for Contempt of Court. Officers were advised by their Dispatcher that Thomas had a history of acts of violence. Once Thomas was handcuffed he was escorted to a patrol car by Elyria Police Officer Bill Witt. While walking to the car Thomas told Witt that he could “sense the smell of fear” on him. Witt replied to Thomas that he must be mistaken since there is no fear coming from him. Once placed in the car there were no further conversations between Thomas and Witt.


When Witt arrived at the Police Station he cleared his weapon and placed it in a gun locker in the sally port. Thomas was then escorted into the booking area by Witt. Once inside Witt advised Thomas that what happened out on the street was over and Thomas advised yes it was. Officer Witt then removed the handcuffs from Thomas and told him that he could have a seat. Officer Witt then went behind the counter to review the warrant to see if Thomas could be released on a summons. Officer Witt told Thomas that he was going to take a booking photo of him and asked that he move to the other wall. Witt saw that Thomas was hesitating and only took a partial step towards the wall.

Then without warning, Thomas lunged across the counter and began throwing multiple overhead punches (haymakers) at Officer Witt. During the attack Witt attempted to radio for help but his speaker mic had fallen from his shirt. He also attempted to knock the phone from its base and dial 2293 (dispatch) to alert them to the fight but was unable to do so. Witt, unable to alert anyone for help, began to realize that Thomas’ continued assault on him was escalating and his self defense blows were doing nothing to stop Thomas. Witt realized that he needed to stop the assault due to his increasing fatigue to the much younger Thomas and the thought that Thomas was looking for a weapon that he could use against him. At one point Officer Witt could feel Thomas reaching at his gun belt.

Witt was able to then grab Thomas by the throat and force him on to the counter using his remaining strength. Witt was able to squeeze Thomas’ neck and cut off his airway. It was then that Thomas stopped his assault on Witt.

Officers who were alerted by a Police Dispatcher who had seen the struggle on the camera then began running in from all directions to assist Witt. Thomas was taken down to the ground and secured and placed back into the cell. He was later photographed and transported to the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. Along with the original warrant for Contempt of Court on a DUS and OVI charges Thomas was also charged with Assault on a Police Officer (F4).

LORAIN FIRE SHUTS DOWN EL PATIO

Lorain – The El Patio Restaurant has been closed after a fire broke out yesterday and the owners are not sure when it might reopen.


Lorain Firefighters were called to the long time restaurant at Grove Ave and East 30th Wednesday just before 1 p.m. when neighbors reported seeing smoke coming from the roof.

Fire officials say the fire was caused by an electrical problem and that the building had numerous electrical code violations on the second floor where there are a number of apartments. The apartments had been rented out to homeless Veterans who are now being cared for by the Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross.


Fire damage was contained to the fire room but the entire building suffered smoke and water damage.


No injuries were reported.


Elyria Firefighters assisted Lorain at the scene.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING ISSUED

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Northern Lorain County and North Central Ohio.


The Warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m.


Just before 5 p.m. Doppler Radar indicated a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM capable of producing quarter size hail. This storm was located near Lorain and moving east at 15 MPH.

MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN CRASH

Sheffield Township – A crash on Ridgewood in Sheffield left one man was injured, a woman cited and a neighborhood saying “Look Twice, Save a Life.”

Trooper Joran Cottom of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said 21 year old Jeremiah Avalos was traveling south on Ridgewood on a motorcycle when he was struck by Janie Fortney who was traveling north and attempting to turn left into her driveway. “She said she just didn’t see him coming. She wasn’t on her phone or texting, she just didn’t see him.”
When the two collided Avalos was thrown from the bike and went up over Fortney’s truck before landing on the driveway. Neighbors rushed to Avalos’ aid and cared for him until Sheffield Township Firefighters arrived and began treating him.
Avalos was treated at the scene and then transported to Avon Emergency Care Center. He was later flown to MetroHealth in Cleveland with head, neck, leg and arm injuries.
Trooper Cottom said Fortney would be cited for Failure to Yield a Left Turn.

While conducting the crash investigation the parents of Avalos approached Trooper Dave Dylag and asked him if he remembered stopping their son one week ago. Dylag and the parents spoke about how he stopped and cited him for not wearing a helmet while he only had a temporary motorcycle endorsement. The parents said he has always worn the helmet since and told Dylag “that might have saved his life today.”


Just down the street there is a sign in a neighbor’s front yard that reads “WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES – LOOK TWICE… SAVE A LIFE!”


PHOTO GALLERY

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY IN ELYRIA

Keith's Comics, in association with Elyria Comic Book Initiative, is one of thousands of comic book shops around the world celebrating the comic book art form on Saturday, May 7th. On Free Comic Book Day, over 2.7 million comic books will be given away by participating stores, introducing as many people as possible to the wonders of comic books! 

Local artist Al Sharp will also be providing FREE sketches throughout the day.
“The wide array of comic books being published today ensures that readers of all ages — children, teens, and adults – can find something appropriate that will stir their imaginations,” said Bryan Branch, owner of Keith's Comics. 

Celebrating its tenth year, Free Comic Book Day has proven to be a smashing success, spreading the word that comics are terrific reading. “Even if you have never picked up a comic book, stop into Keith's Comics, because you never know what you will end up finding.”
"We at Keith's Comics want to spread the word that comics are perfect for today’s times," Branch continued. "Comic books and graphic novels are considered hip, hot and smart.” Comic Books have propelled to the front ranks of pop culture, many being adapted into movies. The first weekend of May is going to be a big day in the comic book world.”

Regular updates, information about comic books, and a list of participating publishers and their free comics are all online at www.FreeComicBookDay.com. 

Free Comic Book Day kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 7:30 p.m. at Keith's Comics, 394 Broad St., Elyria, OH. Call (440) 323-2000 for more information.

MAN PULLS GUN ON TROOPER – KILLS HIMSELF

Milan – The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating an apparent suicide following a brief manhunt for a suspect that pointed a weapon at a trooper on the Ohio Turnpike.

A trooper observed a man walking near a disabled vehicle eastbound on the Ohio Turnpike near milepost 128.9 in Erie County at approximately 11:49 a.m. today. The trooper stopped to assist the man and as the trooper exited his cruiser the man raised a handgun and pointed it at the trooper. As the trooper retreated for cover behind his cruiser, the suspect fled on foot over the right-of-way and onto Angling Road off the Ohio Turnpike. A manhunt was initiated with the assistance of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect was located along State Route 60 in Erie County and fled into a wooded area near Willow Creek Golf Course, where officers lost sight of the suspect. A single gunshot was heard and officers located the suspect with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene and the suspects name will be withheld until next-of-kin notification is made.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are continuing their investigation

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER CELEBRATED

Amherst – Thursday was National Day of Prayer and it was celebrated by a number of Churches that came together in downtown Amherst.

Various Pastors lead the group in prayer in front of Amherst City Hall at Noon on Thursday. The prayers were then followed by Amazing Grace performed by Jason Gilbert of Great Lakes Church.


The group then walked about a mile around the downtown area while praying.


Similar event were held around Lorain County and around the country.




PHOTO GALLERY

FATAL CRASH ON ROUTE 20

UPDATED

Pittsfield Township – One man is dead and two others injured tonight after a head on collision on State Route 20, east of State Route 58 in Pittsfield Township.

Sergeant Paul March of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the operator of a motorcycle died at the scene of the head on collision around 7:15 p.m.

March said the motorcycle was traveling east on Rt. 20 and collided with a westbound passenger car in the area of 45224 State Route 20. It is too early in the investigation to determine which vehicle went left of center or what caused the crash.

Witnesses say a bystander began CPR on the motorcyclist while Firefighters from the Wellington Fire District and Paramedics were responding. The man was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after Paramedics arrived. The two victims from the car were transported to Mercy Allen Medical Center in Oberlin with minor injuries.

March said the crash remains under investigation.

Story & Photos by: BRIAN WOODS

UPDATE: The State Patrol has released the names of the victims in this crash. According to the State Patrol 40 year old Richard Moran of Wellington was driving a 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan east on Route 20 when he collided by 25 year old Amanda Miller of Wellington who Troopers say went left of center. Miller and her 4 year old daughter were both taken to Mercy Allen Medical Center to be evaluated and were both released.

The investigation is ongoing.

PHOTO GALLERY

537 CARS – 2 DRUNK DRIVERS

Elyria – It was round two Saturday night on West Ave just outside of the Elyria Police Station as Elyria Police Officers and Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol teamed up for the second time in setting up an OVI Checkpoint.

The Checkpoint was made possible through a grant entitled “High Visibility Enforcement.”


During the last Checkpoint 5 people were arrested for Operating a Vehicle Intoxicated. Last night after 537 cars went through the Checkpoint only 2 people were cited for OVI. Others were cited for misdemeanors.


PHOTO GALLERY

BEDROOM FIRE ON INDIANA IN LORAIN

Lorain – A bedroom fire in Lorain sent a family running from their home Saturday afternoon escaping injury.

Lorain Firefighters responded to 302 Indiana Ave just after 5 p.m. Saturday for a reported bedroom fire. 
When Firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke coming from the second floor and residents standing outside of the home.
Once Firefighters made their way into the home the fire was knocked down quickly.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.


PHOTO GALLERY