CAR GOES OFF HIGHWAY – ROLLS OVER INTO DITCH

Elyria Township – A Cleveland woman received only minor injuries after she crashed on I-90 near Middle Ridge Road Sunday afternoon.

Trooper JP Toth of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Jessie San of Cleveland was traveling east on I-90 when the crash occurred. “She was attempting to make a lane change and didn’t see a car beside her in her blind spot – she cut back, lost control and over-corrected.”

San then shot across both lanes of traffic before going off the right side of the roadway where she rolled her 2003 Honda before coming to rest on its roof.

Elyria Township Firefighters treated San, who had already gotten out of the car, before transporting her to Elyria Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Toth said San was charged with Failure to Control.

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REGISTER FOR THE 2012 KERSTETTER 5K TODAY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?

The Lorain County Office of Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security is seeking members of the community who would be interested in volunteering before, during and after a disaster.  

Some examples would include: people who would like to join our Community Emergency Response Team, Medical Reserve Corp., The Lorain County Red Cross, 4-wheel drive vehicle operators, snow mobile drivers, people with CDL licenses, chain saw operators, heavy equipment operators, clerical help, or any business that may have resources that could be used during a disasters. 

All volunteers must be over 18 years old.  We will be registering all volunteers on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 7:00-9:00p.m. at the Volunteer Reception Center located at the New Russia Township Garage, 45440 Butternut Ridge Road, Oberlin OH  44074. 

TEEN RESCUED FROM RIVERBANK – RECEIVES CITATION AFTER

Elyria – A Lorain teen and his friends were swimming in the Black River near the water falls behind the Elyria Police Station Friday afternoon when one of the teens decided to hop on a log and ride it across the river.

Apparently the log was only a one-way trip and left the teen stranded on the Washington Ave side of the river. The teens began yelling for help and several Police Officers heard it and went to investigate and found the teen stranded.

Elyria Firefighters were called to retrieve the teen.

Assistant Chief Ron Brlas of the Elyria Fire Department said they threw a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) over to the teen along with a helmet and rope. Once the teen was strapped in and helmet on Firefighters guided him back across the river to safety and an awaiting Police Officer who cited him for swimming in the river.

The teen’s three other friends also received citations.

PHOTOGALLERY

CHECKPOINT NETS SIX OVI ARRESTS AND MORE

Elyria – Two OVI Checkpoints set up in Elyria Friday night netted 6 arrests for OVI, 7 Driving Under Suspensions, 2 Child Restraint violations and one for possession of marijuana.

The first checkpoint was set up on Lake Ave near St. Agnes Church and began a little earlier than usual at 6 pm and ran until 9. Even with the earlier start that checkpoint saw 5 of the 6 OVI arrests.

Lt. Travis Hughes of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that in excess of 700 vehicles passed through the Lake Ave location while just over 400 had passed through the later checkpoint on Route 57 near Bell Ave.

PHOTOGALLERY

ELYRIA MAN BREAKS OUT POLICE CAR WINDOWS

Elyria – An Elyria man was hit with a slew of charges after he broke out two windows while in the back seat of an Elyria Police car Monday evening.

Police were originally called to the area of 1307 Middle Ave for a man threatened a person with a gun. The callers told Police that the man, Charles Truxhall, had left in a blue Ford F150.

Officer spotted Truxhall near the blue truck in the 13^th Street Alley near Middle Ave and began talking to him while he was yelling at people nearby. Truxhall was placed in handcuffs and placed in the back of a police car while Officers spoke with witnesses.

Truxhall continued his screaming at people from the back seat of the patrol car and then began banging his head against the window. Officers told Truxhall to stop hitting his head against the window and then continued interviewing witnesses.

A short time later Truxhall began kicking the windows and eventually pushing one out of the door frame. Officers then placed a hobble device on Truxhall’s feet to keep him from kicking. Truxhall then spun his body on the back seat and began kicking the other window eventually breaking that one out of the frame as well.

Truxhall was removed from the car and placed on the ground while Officers waited for the prisoner van to arrive. While on the ground Truxhall kicked one of the Officers in the leg.

Truxhall was placed in the van and transported to the Lorain County Jail where a knife was discovered in his waistband.

Truxhall was charged with Menacing by Stalking, Vandalism, Assault on a Police Officer, CCW, Obstructing Official Business and DUS.

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DRIVER SEARCHES FOR CELL PHONE REAR ENDS POLICE CAR

Elyria – An Elyria Police Officer was about ready to clear a call when the driver he had just been talking to backed into his vehicle.

The Officer had been speaking with a driver in the parking lot of Burger King on West River Road by the Midway Mall Sunday evening about her erratic driving. While he was getting back into his 2012 black Tahoe the driver, 53 year old Tina Riverbark of Elyria, put her 2003 Chevy Cavalier in reverse to leave. Riverbark then leaned over to search for her cell phone on the floor of her car and let her foot off the brake allowing the car to roll back and strike the passenger side front bumper of the Officer’s new Tahoe.

There were no injuries in the accident but LifeCare Paramedics were called to evaluate Riverbark for a possible medical issue. She refused treatment or transport at the scene.

Police cited Riverbark with Reasonable ControL.

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MAN ARRESTED FOR URINATING IN FOUNTAIN

Elyria – Police arrested Nathanial Allgood on Monday afternoon after he was spotted urinating in the fountain inside of Ely Square.

Police say parents who were inside of the park with their children called 9-1-1 after Allgood urinated in the fountain. When Police arrived they found Allgood sitting on a park bench close to Elyria City Hall. Police observed Allgood place a bottle cap down on the picnic table beside him. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on Allgood and also said his speech was slurred and his eyes were rolling about as he tried to focus on Officers. Officers also noticed the zipper on Allgood’s shorts to be down.

Officers found an open, half consumed bottle of Absolute Vodka in a duffle bag that was next to Allgood, a bag that he denied owning. The bottle was missing a cap – Officers noted that the cap they saw Allgood set down on the table belonged on a bottle of Absolute Vodka. When Officers asked Allgood to stand up he did and Officers observed Allgood’s penis showing through his open zipper. Allgood was ordered to zip up his shorts and he was then placed under arrest.

Officers recovered two bottles of Cook’s California Champagne from inside of the fountain.

Allgood was charged with Public Indecency, Disorderly Conduct – Intox, and Open Container. He was released after receiving his summons.

File Photo from Sept 2011 when someone soaped the fountain in Ely Square… The man shown in this photo is NOT the man who urinated into the fountain Monday. It might be time for someone to do this again…

2012 TORCH RUN A SUCCESS

Photos by BRIAN WOODS

The 2012 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics traveled through Lorain County Monday morning and about 50 Lorain County Officers and LCCC Police Cadets made the 5 mile run for a great cause.

The runners made their way from Sandy Ridge through North Ridgeville where they picked up a LCCC Cadet Class and finished up at Black Dog Pub & Eatery at Sugar Ridge Road and Avon Belden Road.

Sgt. Vince Abt of the North Ridgeville Police Department helped organize the runners and said this year was a success and that he is happy to see that it continues to grow each year.

PHOTOGALLERY

AUTO PARTS VAN CATCHES FIRE AFTER CRASH ON RT 113

South Amherst – An auto parts van burst into flames after a collision at the intersection of State Route 113 and Oberlin Road Friday morning.

The crash occurred just before noon on Friday as Jack Citrelli of Lorain was making a left hand turn onto Oberlin Road from Rt. 113 – Citrelli collided with a Mazda 3 driven by Timoteo Fadenholz.

Citrelli’s Ford Transit Connect van spun around and ended up in a ditch at the northeast corner of the intersection. Citrelli told officials that after the crash he stayed inside of the car shaken up and with an injury to his left leg. People passing by saw the fire start and rushed to get Citrelli out of his van and moved to him to a safe area around the corner.

South Amherst and Amherst Firefighters responded and extinguished the fire that had engulfed and completely destroyed the van.

LifeCare Paramedics treated Citrelli, Fadenholz and his passengers at the scene but all refused transport to the hospital.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has cited Citrelli with Right of Way – Left Turn.

PHOTOGALLERY

Sprint or Stroll for Soul to Sole

On June 23rd, 2012 the 5th Annual Sprint or Stroll for Soul to Sole will be held at Amherst High School starting at 8:30 a.m. Pre-Registration is $20 and Race Day Registration will be $25. The race packets include Short sleeve T-shirt with race logo (to first 200 registered), sponsor information and goody bag. Awards will be given to Top 3 Overall Male and Female ($150/$100/$50), Top Overall Male and Female Masters ($100), and the Top Overall Male and Female Grand Masters ($100). New this year is “Chip Timing” with MYLAPS Chip Timing System-USATF Course Certification OH 11011 MW. Soul to Sole will also have a kid’s run that is 1-lap for $5. Proceeds benefit Soul to Sole who provides sneakers to the Lorain County Boys & Girls Clubs kids.

You may register online at www.soultosoleprogram.com or mail your completed entry form to: Soul to Sole, P.O. Box 541, Amherst, Ohio 44001-0541. Make checks payable to Boys & Girls Club/Soul to Sole. Contact Lori at (440) 225-7147 for questions contact Lori at (440) 225-7147.

About Soul to Sole

The Soul to Sole program was started in May 2007.  The program director, Lori Campana, was inspired to start the program after seeing Stephon Marbury on a daytime talk show.  Stephon Marbury, a point guard for the New York Knicks endorses a line of basketball shoes that offers the same high-quality construction as the higher-priced shoes endorsed by other sports stars, but to keeps the shoes affordable.  The goal of the Soul to Sole program is to provide 3,000 pairs of shoes to children.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County is currently in its 11th year of providing beneficial programs and services to youngsters, including those from disadvantaged circumstances.  Today, over 5800 children between the ages of 6-18 participate in daily activities that motivate, inspire, and educate them to realize their full potential.  Any child living in Lorain County can become a member for an annual fee of only $5.00.

DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS AND MERCHANTS CONCERNED OVER SUSPICIOUS FIRES

 

Elyria – Elyria Firefighters were kept busy overnight with two downtown fires. The first one was called in around 1:30 a.m. when someone on a bike riding through Merchants Alley between Kerstetter Way and Washington Ave spotted smoke coming from an open door.

As Firefighters arrived the man on the bike was waiting for them in the alley and directed them to the open door. The unknown man then left the area before Firefighters were able to speak to him further.

Firefighters began investigating the smoke coming from the rear of the building when they were alerted that smoke was seen filling the front of building as well. Firefighters then forced a door open to the Robinson Building at 401 Broad Street and began searching for the fire.

While Firefighters were searching in the basement they found furniture on fire as well as large wooden beams.

While in the basement one of the Firefighters was struck on the head with parts of a ceiling and a lighting fixture. Fellow Firefighters called over the radio for LifeCare and called out Firefighter down.

The injured Firefighter was carried out to Merchants Alley where fellow Firefighters treated him until LifeCare Paramedics arrived. He was then taken to Elyria Memorial for further evaluation and treatment.

The fire was extinguished and the clean up and overhaul began. Firefighters from North Ridgeville, Carlisle Township, Sheffield Village and Lorain provided Mutual Aid assistance.

FIREFIGHTERS RETURNING SEE SMOKE

At approximately 4:30 am, while Firefighters on Tower 8 were returning to their station they were traveling east on 3^rd Street when they spotted smoke coming off of 230 3^rd Street – the old Rothgery Building across from the County Parking garage. Firefighters found smoke coming from every corner of the building and quickly called for additional units.

A large window on the east side of the building had been busted out before Firefighters arrived.

As Firefighters worked their way through to locate the fire they ended up finding it in the basement of the building – like the fire they had just left.

About an hour after the fire was discovered it was called out by Fire Chief Benton. Overhaul however continued for an hour or so longer.

There were no reported injuries at the 3^rd Street fire.

Both fires remain under investigation.

PHOTO GALLERY

MAN SHOT IN BACK AT HILLTOP PARK OUT OF HOSPITAL – NO SUSPECTS

Elyria – Police Officers have little to go on after a man was shot in the back while playing basketball at Hilltop Park on Gulf Road in Elyria Sunday afternoon.

In a release Tuesday afternoon Police reports state that 20 year old Michael Turner of Elyria was unable to identify the man that shot him in the back. Turner told Police that he had been at Hilltop Park to play basketball and had seen two men that he had “seen some time ago.” He said the men told him that they didn’t want any trouble from Turner or his brother and then left the park. A short time later Turner said the two men returned with an unknown number of friends. The men started exchanging words when a fight broke out. Turner saw that his brother was fighting with a few men so he ran over to help him when he spotted someone with a gun. Turner said he yelled to his brother and friends about the other man having a gun and then his group started to run towards the parking lot.

Turner said he heard one shot fired in their direction and then the second shot fired hit him in the back. He continued to run towards the car and he remembers seeing the men still chasing after them. The next thing he remembers is laying stomach down in the SUV where Police found him.

Turner told Police that he had no problems with the suspect and had only seen him around the basketball court before. He said he does not know the suspects name but believes he moved to Elyria recently from Lorain.

Police interviewed a number of potential witnesses but none could say who the suspect was or provide with any detail the man’s description. One witness told Police “I noticed a chunky black male with short hair holding a gun. I heard a shot and then I watched him and three to four guys get into a SUV, maybe a Ford Explorer.”

Officers made contact with another subject who Officers described as being apprehensive and hostile while officer was talking to another witness. Officers pulled the witness to the side and later discovered the following: the witness advised the following: “I don’t know the shooter personally; he did leave with a couple of my associates that I do currently work with. The shooter does not work with me or them but hangs out with some of my work associates.” The Officer Webber asked where he was currently employed at and he stated “I really don’t want to be a snitch; you got my name and address.” Officers advised the man of the pending investigation and that he was a key witness with pertinent information.

The man advised officers “These people are no joke; I don’t want to get involved”

Turner was taken to Elyria Memorial Hospital and later transported to Cleveland for further evaluation but has since been released.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

PHOTO GALLERY

GRAFTON MAN CAUSES CRASH – FACES FELONY CHARGES

 
Photos by BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – After a night of partying a Grafton man caused a multiple car crash in Elyria and now faces possible felony charges.

Police say 21 year old Chris Gerhart of Grafton was traveling south on Route 57 in his Ford F-150 early Sunday morning when he struck a car stopped at a traffic light at East Broad Street. That car, a Hyundai Santa Fe, was driven by 57 year old Thomas Martin of Elyria. The impact was so powerful it pushed Martin’s car into a Jeep Patriot driven by 41 year old Aaron Sherban of Elyria. Sherban’s Jeep was then pushed into a motorcycle driven by 31 year old Jeremy Harsa of Lorain. Harsa was able to jump from his bike before the collision.

LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated all of the drivers at the scene but only Harsa and Martin were transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

Gerhart, whose face was covered in odd markings, told Police that he had been to a party the night before and had passed out. He said at that time his friends marked up his face and body.

Police say Gerhart failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for OVI. He later took a BAC test where he scored a .189.

Gerhart was charged with the following: Assured Cleared Distance, OVI – High Order BA, DUI, and Aggravated Vehicular Assault x two.

The case was assigned to Judge Locke Graves who released Gerhart on bond with the following condition.

Defendant's bond is condition that there be zero tolerance for use of alcohol and/or drugs. Defendant is ordered not to consume or possess any alcoholic beverages or drugs. Defendant is ordered not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol. In addition, defendant, if able to post bond is not to be released until he is fitted with an alcohol sensor monitor.

PHOTOGALLERY

FOUR DOGS RESCUED FROM ELYRIA HOUSE

Elyria – In what was described by Officers and Dog Wardens as “deplorable conditions” four dogs were removed from a home on Woodford Ave. Saturday afternoon.

Lorain County Dog Warden Jack Szlempa said his office received a call from the finance company that owns the home to assist their crew with the dogs that were in the house. “The finance company had a crew here to change the locks on this house and asked for our help in rescuing the animals. We first thought it was going to be two dogs and a cat but we ended up removing four dogs from the home.”

The last dog to be removed was stuck inside of a wall inside of the home. Workers, including the team from the finance company, Elyria Police and the Dog Wardens, had to use tools to cut openings in the wall to safely remove the dog before he was taken to the Dog Warden’s truck. Hampering their efforts was the stench and filth inside of the house. Some of the workers had to step out of the house to get fresh air after being inside for only a few minutes inside.

It is believed the woman who had been residing in the home would stop by now and then during the night to leave food for the dogs but nobody knew where the woman was or how to find her. Officials believe the dogs had been stuck inside of the house for approximately 6 to 7 months.

Szlempa said the dogs would be taken back to the kennel and segregated until they can be cleaned up and examined by a Vet. “We will continue our investigation and then turn the findings over to the Humane Society and charges will be determined after they review the reports.”

Szlempa said the owner could possibly be charged with Animal Abandonment and Animal Cruelty.

MAN ALERTS RESIDENTS TO THEIR HOUSE BEING ON FIRE

 

Photos by BRIAN WOODS

Elyria - An Elyria man is being called a hero by residents on Bon-Air tonight after he alerted residents of a home on Bon-Air that their house was on fire.

Route 57 might separate the 500 block of Wesley Ave where Tim Young lives and the 400 block of Bon-Air where a house was on fire was but that didn't stop Young from springing into action Friday night.

Young said he was on his way to do some car shopping when he saw heavy smoke. "I was on Abbe at 57 when I first saw the smoke coming over the trees. At first I thought maybe someone was just burning stuff in their back yard but then as I got to Abbe and Sycamore I could see fire coming from the back of a house."

After spotting the flames Young quickly turned around and made his way to the house. He said he didn't see anyone around the house but did see a car in the driveway and the front door was open. "I first had my sister in law call 9-1-1 to report the fire and I ran to the front door. The big door was open but the screen door was closed and locked. I began yelling into the house but there was no response. I tried to get the door open but I couldn't so I figured the best I could do is pound as hard as I can on that door and make as much noise as possible."

Young's pounding proved to be the winner - the resident, Matt Stinson, who had fallen asleep in the breezeway between the house and the garage woke up. "All of a sudden I heard a guy yelling from the side of the house asking what I was doing. I told him that he needed to get out that his house was on fire."

Assistant Chief Ron Brlas of the Elyria Fire Department said two people inside of the home and their dog were able to make it out of the house safely.

The home is owned by Stinson’s parents who live in Arizona but have been in town visiting. They had left the house earlier in the evening but left a scented candle burning in a second floor bathroom according to Brlas. The fire had spread into a second floor bedroom by the time Young had spotted the blaze.

Young said that while he was pounding on the door an upstairs window blew out. Brlas said that was caused by the extreme heat and that it was good that Young was there because the fire was receiving new life with the air entering the house. Young then praised Firefighters for arriving so quickly. “It seemed like they were here in like 2 minutes – they rushed into that house and did a great job.” Brlas said the fire itself was knocked down in about 10 minutes.

The fire remains under investigation but Brlas believes the total damages will exceed $50K.

PHOTOGALLERY

2012 KERSTETTER 5K T-SHIRTS ARE NOW ON SALE

If you would like to purchase one or several of the Official 2012 Kerstetter 5K T-Shirts now is your chance.

This year’s K5K shirt is a black Gildan Soft Style T-Shirt (4.5oz., pre-shrunk 100% soft style cotton)

To purchase your K5K shirts visit www.kerstetter5k.com/shop  

ONLINE SALES WILL CLOSE ON JULY 4^TH

Because the shirts are the special “Soft Style” they are only available from Small through 3X Large.

Shirts are ONLY $10.00 for small through XLarge

$12.00 for 2XLarge and $14.00 for 3XLarge

The back of the shirt will display logos of our phenomenal partners.

You will have 3 choices on how to obtain your shirt(s) after you’ve placed your order.

1. Elyria Police Department Community Room on Friday July 13^th from 3pm to 7pm during our early packet pick up.

2. During the Kerstetter 5K on Saturday July 14^th from 7am until noon

3. You may choose to have the order delivered for an additional $5.00.

If you have a special request or questions please contact us at terry@kerstetter5k.com

GIANT EAGLE CASHIER ADMITS TO STEALING $30K OVER TWO YEARS

Elyria – Elyria Police were called to the West River Road Giant Eagle Sunday afternoon after a cashier admitted to the store’s Loss Prevention Officer that she has stolen between $30 & $35 thousand dollars over that last two years.

A Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) advised Police that approximately two weeks ago an audit was performed on cashiers. It was discovered that one of the cashiers had been printing out “in store Giant Eagle” coupons that could be printed out in various dollar amounts. LPO said that the cashier would then turn in the coupons and keep the cash.

LPO also said the cashier would perform fraudulent returns and then keep the cash from those returns.

After the theft was noticed the cashier went on vacation for one week. When she returned an outside LPO was at the store to confront her about the findings. During her shift on Sunday the LPO advised the cashier had performed 5 fraudulent coupon transactions totaling $55.00. The LPO then approached the cashier and escorted her to the office where she returned the $55.00.

The LPO then advised Police that the cashier, 56 year old Pamela Kmitt of Birmingham, filled out a voluntary loss prevention statement admitting to not only the $55.00 theft but also to approximately 30 to 35 thousand dollars by cashing in Giant Eagle coupons and fraudulent returns.

The Giant Eagle Loss Prevention Department will now be checking store records to determine the exact amount that Kmitt had taken. Once the investigation is complete they will turn it over to the Elyria Police Department for possible additional charges.

Kmitt was given a summons on a charge of Theft for the $55.00 that she took on Sunday. Kmitt will be in court on June 6^th.

PHOTO GALLERY

MAN SHOOTS AT POLICE IN LORAIN – OFFICERS RETURN FIRE

Photos by BRIAN WOODS

Lorain – A Lorain man aimed his gun at Police and shot – Officers returned fire and shot the man approximately six times outside of an apartment at 1648 E 29^th Street.

Police say 23 year old Jarelle Guice of Lorain had been involved in a domestic dispute around 10 pm in the south side of Lorain. When Police arrived to handle the call Guice was not there – however he returned a short time later and shot at Police. Guice then fled in his car before crashing into an apartment building.

Guice exited his car with the gun to his head threatening to kill himself. After numerous attempts by Officers to get Guice to drop his gun Guice raised his gun and fired at the Officers. Officers returned fire hitting him approximately six times.

LifeCare Paramedics, who were staged down the street during the standoff, treated the man at the scene before transporting him to Mercy Regional Medical Center. He was later transported to Cleveland where he remains in critical condition.

A family member was treated and released at the scene who suffered an apparent anxiety attack.

No Officers were injured in the shootout.

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into the shooting.

PHOTOGALLERY

MAN SHOT NEAR SHOPWAY ON LAKE AVE

Elyria – An Elyria man was shot late Friday night in the parking lot of Shopway on Lake Ave.

Police received the call around midnight Friday of a shooting at the Shopway store at the corner of Lake Ave and Furnace Street. While Officers were responding they were told a beige Concorde was seen leaving the scene with the victim in the back seat.

Officers spotted and stopped the vehicle on Lake Ave near Express Lane Oil Change. A female driver was questioned by Police while LifeCare Paramedics treated the victim in the back seat.

The victim, Antonio Ward, was treated and transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital. He has since been released.

Police were searching the area for a black male that had fled on foot down Furnace Street when they received a call of a black male that had jumped into the back seat of a Jeep Cherokee at 5 Points and was heading towards Lake Ave from West River Road. The Jeep turned onto Lake Ave and headed towards the Police Station and was stopped by Officers near where the Concorde was stopped.

Officers ordered all of the occupants out of the car at gunpoint. The driver, Kathy Mosby, was the first out of the car and then her mother from the front passenger seat. Officers asked if there was anyone else in the car and she said her son was in the back seat – he was then ordered out of the car and secured.

Officers asked Mosby if her son had jumped into her car at 5 Points she said no. Later she told Police that he did jump in the car but on Foster Ave. Mosby said her son told her he had just “maced” people and wanted to get home.

Police arrested Mosby’s son for underage drinking. He was taken to the station and later released to her.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

PRIEST INJURED AFTER SLAMMING INTO WOLFEY’S

Elyria – A 93 year old Catholic Priest was injured Friday afternoon in a crash that sent his car into the front of Wolfey’s on East Broad Street.

Police say the Priest, Father Gaetano Menegatto of Avon, was stopped at a traffic light in the southbound lane of 57 at East Broad Street when his Ford Focus was struck from behind by a 2004 Ford tow truck driven by Tim Reinke of New Brunswick.

The impact of the crash sent the Focus off the right side of the road striking a street sign, then up a hill and through a fence causing the car to spin around before striking the front corner of Wolfey’s.

City Officials say the damage was minimal and allowed Wolfey’s to remain open for business.

Menegatto was transported to EMH for a cut to the back of his head and later to Cleveland for further treatment.

The crash remains under investigation.

CRASH ON 57 TAKES DOWN LIGHT POLE

Elyria – A single car crash on Route 57 near WalMart took down a light pole and sent the driver to the hospital.

Police say 20 year old Ryan Farley of Grafton was traveling southbound on Route 57 between East Broad and Chestnut Ridge Road when he lost control of his car and went off the left side of the road striking and taking down a light pole.

Farley continued through the median and into the northbound lanes where his 2005 Chevy Cavalier came to rest.

Elyria Firefighters and LifeCare Paramedics treated Farley at the scene before transporting him to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

Police charged Farley with Reasonable Control.