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Elyria – Early Sunday morning Elyria Police were called to the downtown McDonalds on Broad Street for a woman who had fallen asleep at the wheel in the drive-thru. When Police arrived they found the woman out cold with her head against the steering when and her foot on the brake. Officers pounded on the windows and yelled in an attempt to wake the sleeping driver. While Officers waited for Mug’s Towing to show up and pop the door lock they positioned a police car in front of the woman’s van – bumper to bumper – so if she let off the brake the van would not roll across the parking lot and down into the alley. When Officers pounded on the van the woman’s head would move causing the horn to honk, that didn’t even wake her up.
Once the door lock was popped Officers shook the woman until she woke up and started answering questions. She was then arrested for DUS and OVI.
While Officers were dealing with her they received a call from the McDonalds at East Broad and Abbe reporting someone had dozed off on a blue minivan in their drive-thru. In this case Officers were able to wake the man right away. After speaking with him and running a couple of tests they determined the man was just very tired and had fallen asleep at the wheel. He was not charged.
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GARAGE, THREE CARS DESTROYED BY FIRE
Sheffield Township – A garage fire on Orszy Ave in Sheffield destroyed three vehicles Saturday night but fire officials say there were no injuries.
The fire broke out in a garage at 4898 Orszy Ave in Sheffield Township around 7 p.m. Saturday night. The fire sparked several small propane tanks to explode according to Firefighters. The fire totaled the garage along with a Chevy minivan and Goldwing motorcycle that were parked inside. A Ford F150 parked just outside of the garage also caught fire.
No exact cause has been announced but the homeowner told Firefighters that he had been working on his motorcycle. The fire remains under investigation.
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MOTORCYCLIST CRASHES ON ROUTE 57
Sheffield Township – A motorcyclist was seriously hurt late Friday night after crashing his Harley Davidson on Route 57 just south of Route 254.
Trooper Al Marcum of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the victim was traveling southbound on Route 57 at the time of the crash. “They were traveling southbound – extreme high speeds and his motor blew and threw the piston out of the bottom and the bottom gouged into the ground causing him to fishtail and then it turned over and the bike went flipping.”
Marcum said the victim’s friend was coming to a quick stop and they crossed. It was unclear if the friend struck him or not according to Marcum.
The bike slid a total of 680 feet before it came to a stop. The victim was found lying in the middle of the highway 197 feet north of his bike.
The friend stopped for a few minutes according to witnesses and then left the scene continuing southbound on Route 57 towards Elyria.
Sheffield Township Firefighters treated the victim at the scene and then transported to Elyria memorial Hospital with serious head injuries. He was later transferred to Cleveland.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing according to Marcum. Charges are pending.
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DRIVER RUNS FROM COPS – DISAPPEARS IN VICS
Elyria – An early morning pursuit Sunday ended with the driver fleeing Police jumping from the car and running into Vic’s Nightclub.
Elyria Police Officers working in an unmarked car on Kerstetter Way say they watched as a black Chevy Impala turned into Merchants Alley from Kerstetter Way going the wrong way. The Officers followed the Impala into the alley towards Washington Ave. The Impala crossed Washington and continued east on Depot Street. The Officers activated their lights and siren in an attempt to stop the driver but he took off. The Impala turned onto East Ave and went into the parking lot of Bill Bakers where he struck a Chevy Pickup truck. The driver circled around the lot and got back onto East Ave with the Officers right behind him. Once the driver turned back onto Depot he took off at a high rate of speed. Officers then called off the pursuit due to the number of pedestrians leaving the bars.
The Impala then drove back across Merchants Alley towards Kerstetter Way as Officers were behind him without their lights on. Officers witnessed the driver exit the vehicle as it approached Kerstetter Way and run southbound as the car crossed Kerstetter Way and struck a parked car. Another Officer that was on Kerstetter approaching the scene witnessed a male matching the description of the driver run inside of Vic’s Nightclub.
A search of the Impala turned up a loaded 9mm High Point Semi Auto handgun. The car returned to a rental agency.
Officers searched Vic’s but could not locate the driver.
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LORAIN MAN CHARGED AFTER PURSUIT
Photos by BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – A Lorain man is facing 9 charges after running from an Elyria Police Officer and leading him on a chase through the city.
An Elyria Police Officer first spotted 28 year old John Liston of Lorain driving a 2007 Ford Fusion with no headlights at 12:40 a.m. Sunday morning on Broad Street near Washington Ave. Liston then quickly pulled into a parking spot. The Officer pulled up to Liston to advise him of the headlight issue. The Officer stated there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from the car. He asked Liston if he had a valid driver’s license and he said yes and appeared to be reaching for his wallet. Liston then put his car in gear, drove forward across the sidewalk and then back onto Broad Street to run from the Officer.
Liston lead Officers down Washington to Harrison, Harrison to Glenwood, Glenwood to Ohio, Ohio to Gulf and then northbound on Gulf.
The pursuit traveled north on Gulf Road for about 3 miles when Liston made a left turn onto Windbrook Drive, a dead end street. As Officers surrounded the vehicle Liston exited and said, “Sorry guys, nice job.”
Liston was charged with the following: Fleeing, Speeding, OVI – .242% BAC, High Tear OVI, Seat Belt, Reckless Operation, Lighted Lights, and Resisting. Liston also had an outstanding warrant through the Lorain County Sheriff’s office.
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NATIONAL TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK
Columbus – Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-year-olds in the United States. Ohio is recognizing National Teen Driver Safety Week October 16-22 to educate both parents and teens alike about the important issue of teen driver safety.
Young people are America’s future, said Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) Director Tom Charles. ODPS has been working with partners around the state, including parents, law enforcement, other safety advocates and teens themselves to develop and promote safe teen driving behaviors and messages.
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that in 2009 more than 3,214 teens ages 15 to 19 died in vehicle crashes of all types. And 594 (18%) of those fatal crashes involved distracted driving. All told, 3,883 teen drivers ages 15 to 19 were involved in fatal crashes in 2009, and 15 percent were distracted at the time of the crash.
The heartbreaking results of distracted driving are attributed to many causes from texting and talking on a cell phone to eating or playing with a radio, CD player, or MP3 device.
“Teenagers are constantly looking for respect, and want people to trust them,” said Colonel John Born, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “So our message for teens is: You want people to trust you? Go the speed limit. Wear your safety belt. Keep your eyes on the road. Make the decision to be a safe driver.”
FUN AND LEARNING AT EFD OPEN HOUSE
Residents and their kids had fun and learned a lot while attending this year’s Safety Day / Open House at the Elyria Fire Department on Cedar Street.
Aside from the free hot dogs and the jump house kids were able to learn what to do in the case of an emergency. Those who attended were also able to meet officials from Lorain County 9-1-1, Lorain County SWAT Team, The Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross, LifeCare and others to learn how they operate.
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LARGE WATER MAIN BREAK ON GULF
Elyria – The Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has announced that a large water main break has occurred on Gulf Road in Elyria this morning. This break has caused little to no water pressure to the north side of Elyria. Officials would like residents to know that crews are aware of the break and repairs are being made at this hour.
More details later as they become available.
ROLL OVER CRASH AT 113 & 58
South Amherst – A collision between two pickup trucks sent both drivers to the hospital and left one truck on its roof.
Trooper Lance Deshuk of the Ohio State Patrol said the crash is still under investigation to determine which truck ran a red light. When the two trucks collided in the intersection the physical evidence shows that 37 year old Ryan Harding was traveling east on 113 in a 2003 red F150 when he collided with a 1999 Chevy 1500 that was traveling southbound on 58. “At this point it is not clear what happened in the intersection as far as who ran a red light but the Chevy struck the driver’s side rear of the F150 causing it to spin and roll over.”
The F150 was thrown approximately 50 feet before hitting the ground where it slid before coming to rest in front of the Timbers Bar on 113.
Both drivers were treated at the scene by LifeCare Paramedics and South Amherst Firefighters before being transported to Amherst Hospital, both with non-life threatening injuries.
Deshuk said he believes alcohol played a part in the early morning crash but until lab results come back no citations have been issued.
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ELYRIA SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR CHRIS EICHENLAUB DIES IN CRASH
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Elyria Safety Service Director Chris Eichenlaub.
Authorities believe that Eichenlaub experienced a medical situation while driving southbound on Park Ave Sunday morning around 10 a.m.
Eichenlaub, 58 of Elyria, went off the road in his black Ford Explorer, through two yards striking two trees before coming to rest. He was found inside of the vehicle unresponsive. LifeCare Paramedics began attempting to revive Eichenlaub at the scene before transporting him to Elyria Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday. Funeral arrangements are pending.
1 MAN, 2 CRASHES, 2 OVI CHARGES
Sheffield Township – A Lorain man is facing multiple charges after his wild ride through a Sheffield Township neighborhood late Friday night.
Trooper AJ Torres of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Maurcie Kimbro of Lorain was first traveling north on Bond Ave when he went through a stop sign at Frankfort, went into a driveway and struck the back of a parked red F-150 pickup truck. Kimbro then backed up and fled the scene.
Kimbro was then traveling west on Frankfort when he went through another stop sign at Vincent Street, busted through a guardrail and into the yard of Ken Farr where a tree stopped the car from striking the house. Farr said that this is the third crash that has ended up in his yard since he has lived there.
Torres said since Kimbro fled the first scene and crashed again a few minutes later they are two completely separate crashes and therefore he will be charged for both sperately. “Trooper Marcum is handling the first hit-skip crash at Frankfort and Bond and I am handling the one here on Vincent. Mr. Kimbro will be charged with OVI, Driving Under Suspension, Stop Sign and Failure to Control and Yield in each crash.”
Farr said after Kimbro struck his tree he tried to back the car up and flee the scene but was unable to move the car. He then exited his vehicle and was going to try and run but neighbors, including the owner of the red pickup prevented him from leaving until Troopers arrived on the scene.
Kimbro was treated at the scene and transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
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ELYRIA FIRE TORNADO SAFETY DAY
The Elyria Fire Department invites you to their annual TORNADO SAFETY DAY to be held Saturday afternoon, October 15th, from 1 to 5 p.m. behind Fire Station 1 at 40 Cedar Street.
Along with FREE HOT DOGS guests will receive tours of the FIRE / TORNADO SAFETY HOUSE and FREE Blood Pressure Checks.
This year’s guests include: Elyria Police Department, LifeCare Ambulance, Lorain County Emergency Management Agency (Command Post), Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Lorain County 9-1-1, Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, 1-800-board-up, and Spill Tek Environmental Services.
Special Appearances by: LifeCare Ambulance’s ANDY THE AMBULANCE and Elyria Fire Department’s BOBBY THE BOAT.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BENJAMIN’S
We would like to wish a sincere Happy 5th Anniversary to our friends at Benjamin’s Steakhouse in New York City.
On October 6, 2006, Executive Chef Arturo McLeod, more than 35 years in the meat preparation business, partnered with fellow Peter Luger alumnus Benjamin Prelvukaj to create Benjamin Steakhouse. Located one block from Grand Central Station at the Dylan Hotel Benjamin’s has established itself as one of the premiere steakhouses in New York City attracting business people, celebrities and Northeast Ohioans and Central Texans alike.
If you are ever in NYC and hungry for a nice steak dinner, Benjamin’s is the place to go. Be sure to make reservations in advance if you plan on going anytime after 5 p.m. as the restaurant fills up quickly in the evenings. My recommendation: Start with a slice or their Extra Thick Cut Sizzling Bacon, Caesar Salad, Ribeye (medium) Benjamin Potatoes and Mushrooms. The portions are HUGE so go slow and make sure you leave a little room for either Cheesecake or warm Apple Strudel with their homemade Schlag.
You can visit their website at www.benjaminsteakhouse.com
Here’s to Benjamin, Victor, Cynthia, Ricky, Bruno, Johnny, Gazi, and the entire staff at Benjamin’s on a great 5 years.
FIRE DESTROYS 13TH STREET HOUSE
Elyria – A fire ripped through a house in the 400 block of 13th Street just after midnight Thursday morning.
Lorain County 9-1-1 Dispatchers began receiving calls of a possible structure fire in the area of 13th and West Ave just after midnight. Then an Elyria Police Officer on patrol saw the smoke covering West Ave and found the house on fire on 13th Street just west of West Ave. Other Officers responded to the area and began alerting neighbors of the blaze.
When Firefighters arrived heavy fire was pouring from the east side of the structure. Within minutes the fire was coming from each side of the house shooting high into the air.
Assistant Chief Ron Brlas of the Elyria Fire Department ordered a defensive attack on the uninhabited structure almost immediately upon arrival. “The fire house and the house directly next door, were both under construction. The fire house was pretty much gutted inside with no drywall and no furniture so once we started hitting it with water the bulk of the fire was knocked down.”
Fire Investigators on scene say they believe the fire started in the rear of the home but were waiting until they had a chance to get inside to investigate further.
The house suffered so much damage that Fire Officials say they will have what is remaining of the structure razed sometime Thursday for safety reasons.
There were no injuries reported.
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WHO SHOULD PAY FOR THIS?
Elyria – On September 26th at 5:15 a.m. Elyria Firefighters were called to Cascade Park to rescue a man after he fell 25 feet down a hill and possibly broke his leg. Firefighters had to set up a rope rescue which meant using all of the on duty Firefighters in the city.
The man’s friend, 28 year old Jeff Carson of Lorain, told Police he and his friend, 51 year old Joe Hurlbut of Elyria, had been walking along a trail just before Hurlbut fell down the hill. Hurlbut landed on the riverbank and was wedged in some rocks.
The rescue of Hurlbut lasted about 2 hours and was called successful by Firefighters who say this is what they train for. Hurlbut was transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital and then was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland with a broken leg and back injuries.
Elyria Police cited both Hurlbut and Carson for Criminal Trespassing. Carson was also charged with Disorderly Conduct Persisting after he refused to stop yelling and cursing at Firefighters, citizens and our own Photographer Brian Woods.
This is not the first time that Elyria Firefighters have had to perform such an elaborate rescue in the same area and now Chief Richard Benton would like the City to explore options of charging “at-fault” people for such rescues. This rescue cost the city approximately $2,000.00 in overtime to cover the stations while on duty Firefighters were performing the rescue. Benton believes it is not fair to the taxpayers to cover these costs if someone has to call out the Fire Department while breaking the law.
With the City in financial trouble and cuts being made in all departments do you think this is a good idea? Share your “constructive” thoughts about this idea on our FACEBOOK PAGE.
PHOTO GALLERY by BRIAN WOODS
OVI CRASH AT LAKE AND RT 113
Elyria – Two people were taken to Elyria Memorial Hospital after a3-car collision on Lake Ave near the Coke plant by Rt. 113 Sunday night.
Anthony Horton of Elyria said he was stopped on Lake Ave at a red light (southbound lane) waiting to cross Route 113 when he saw a black Cadillac crossing the intersection. “I saw the car coming at me and thought at first he was going to hit my car. Then he drove right by me in the wrong lane and hit a van that was behind me.”
The black Cadillac struck a minivan that was also in a southbound lane with enough force to push the minivan into a pickup truck that was stopped behind it.
Horton said he got out of the car to check on everyone when he saw the driver of the Cadillac exit the car and go to a nearby tree at Coke to go to the bathroom.
Minutes before the crash Elyria Police Officers were searching the area for a black Cadillac after receiving reports of a reckless driver.
LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated the passenger of the van and the driver of the pickup truck at the scene. The driver of the van refused treatment or transport and the driver of the Cadillac was taken to the Police Station after failing a field sobriety test at the scene.
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FIRE DESTROYS SHEFFIELD VILLAGE HOME
Sheffield Village – Just two hours after battling a house fire on French Creek Road, Sheffield Village Firefighters were dispatched to another on Kevin Street off Abbe Road.
When Firefighters arrived they found heavy fire coming from the roof of the home. They were told by neighbors that nobody was inside the home. A family member showed up a short time later and confirmed that everybody was gone at the time of the fire.
Avon, Sheffield Lake, Elyria Township and Sheffield Township all assisted in extinguishing the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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WOMAN STRUCK BY CAR ON BROADWAY
Sheffield Township – State Troopers are investigating a hit-skip crash that sent a woman to Cleveland by helicopter with injuries to her head.
Troopers say the woman was struck while she was crossing South Broadway east to west by a car that was traveling northbound. The woman rolled up over the hood and windshield before landing on the roadway. The car then drove away from the scene.
Because of how dark it is in that area witnesses could only describe the vehicle as a passenger car possibly maroon or red in color with damage to the hood and windshield.
A LifeFlight helicopter landed at Clearview High School parking lot to take control of the victim. She was then flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland with facial injuries.
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