Elyria Police Department

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, the Elyria Police Department honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Today, we reflect on their courage, selflessness, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

We remember. We honor. We thank you.

05/22/2026

🇺🇸 2026 Memorial Day Parade Traffic Advisory 🇺🇸

The 2026 Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, with the parade stepping off at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at approximately Noon.

To accommodate parade activities, road closures and barricades will be implemented as follows:

🚧 Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the following intersections will close:

2nd Street & West Avenue
2nd Street & East Avenue
Broad Street & West Avenue
Kerstetter Way at Falls

🚧 Beginning at 9:00 a.m., all remaining streets along the parade route will be barricaded and closed.

Parade Route:

Court Street to Broad Street
Broad Street northbound to Washington Avenue
Washington Avenue to Harrison Street
Parade ending at Ridgelawn Cemetery

👮 Officers will be stationed at designated traffic control points to accommodate traffic flow until approximately 9:30 a.m.

Please obey all police barricades and directions from officers assigned to the parade route to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. All road closures are subject to change.

🇺🇸 We appreciate the community’s cooperation and look forward to honoring Memorial Day together.

05/21/2026

The message is simple. Buckle Up. ⏱️ It takes only seconds but those seconds matter.

This is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) annual reminder that seat belts save lives. Lorain County Public Health

05/21/2026

👟 Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11th and join us for this great community event honoring the memory of Sgt. James Kerstetter. We can't wait to see you on Kerstetter Way!
Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Elyria/Kerstetter5K
🚓 Law Enforcement Agencies:
If you are interested in participating in the Formation Run, please email [email protected] for more information.

👟 Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11th and join us for this great community event honoring the memory of Sgt. James Kerstetter. We can't wait to see you on Kerstetter Way!

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Elyria/Kerstetter5K

🚓 Law Enforcement Agencies:
If you are interested in participating in the Formation Run, please email [email protected] for more information.

05/21/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Officer Kevin Jerore on graduating from the Lorain County Community College Police Academy!

Officer Jerore has will now begin a four-week orientation before moving into the field training phase and taking the next steps toward serving the City of Elyria, Ohio community.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the academy instructors and staff for their dedication, guidance, and commitment to preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Your commitment to training and mentorship helps prepare officers for the challenges and responsibilities of a career in law enforcement.

Congratulations as well to all of the academy graduates on this outstanding accomplishment.

05/20/2026

MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: May 20, 2026

SUSPECT ARRESTED IN FAMILY DOLLAR ARMED ROBBERY INVESTIGATION

Elyria, Ohio – Detectives with the Elyria Police Department have arrested a suspect in connection with the armed robbery that occurred on May 11, 2026, at the Family Dollar located at 401 Lake Avenue.

During the course of the investigation, Elyria Police Detectives identified the suspect as Joel F. Molina following a tip from Officer Michael House. On May 20, 2026, Elyria Police Detectives, with assistance from the Lorain Police Department Detectives, located and arrested Molina in the 400 block of Foster Avenue in Elyria. Molina was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with one count of Aggravated Robbery, a felony of the first degree.

Following his arrest, Molina was interviewed by detectives and transported to the Lorain County Jail, where he is being held pending his initial court appearance.

The investigation stemmed from an armed robbery reported on May 11, 2026, at approximately 8:14 p.m. Investigators alleged that a masked male suspect entered the store, displayed a handgun, and stole multiple packs of ci******es before fleeing the area on foot. No injuries were reported during the incident.

“This arrest is the result of the diligent work and collaboration of our officers, detectives and law enforcement partners,” said Captain Bill Lantz. “We remain committed to thoroughly investigating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of our community.”

The Elyria Police Department would like to thank the Lorain Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.

Captain Bill Lantz
Public Information Officer
440-326-1214
[email protected]

05/20/2026

Elyria Police Patrolman Ali Sabeiha was also recognized at the Outdoorsmen for Officers Banquet, as he was honored for his extraordinary act of valor. We would like to thank Blue Line Unlimited for their recognition of Officer Sabeiha and the Elyria Police Department.

Read full article here:

In one of the most powerful moments of the evening, Patrolman Ali Sabeiha was met with a standing ovation from more than 700 attendees at the Outdoorsmen for Officers Banquet, as he was honored for his extraordinary act of valor. Blue Line Unlimited was proud to recognize him for his heroic actions

05/20/2026

We appreciate U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio David M. Toepfer for presenting Elyria Police Officer Ali Sabeiha with the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award in recognition of his courageous and life-saving actions on January 21, 2026.

Read the full press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/us-attorneys-office-recognizes-local-patrol-officer-heroism

Patrol Officer Ali Sabeiha, of the Elyria Police Department, was presented with the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award for his heroism to save a mother and her children from a violent criminal.

On Jan. 21, 2026, Officer Sabeiha was on official duty responding to an armed robbery in Elyria, Ohio. When the pursuit of the suspect’s vehicle ended, the suspect fled on foot. Armed with a firearm, he ran into a residential area where he encountered a mother entering her residence with her four young children. The suspect forcibly entered the home and took the mother hostage at gunpoint.

Despite the danger, and without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Officer Sabeiha rushed into the residence knowing that there were innocent lives at stake. Once inside, he confronted the armed suspect who was actively holding the mother at gunpoint. With exceptional composure, sound judgment, and tactical proficiency, Officer Sabeiha successfully incapacitated the suspect.

“We are grateful for Officer Sabeiha’s actions that day to save a mother and her children from a violent and dangerous criminal. His professionalism in the face of danger is a testament to his unwavering commitment to keep the public safe,” said U.S. Attorney Toepfer. “It is our honor to recognize him as the Hometown Hero that he is, and for his exemplary service to his department and our community.”

🇺🇸 The award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

The Hometown Hero Award honors the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility. This award is dedicated in recognition of a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.

[Photo Credit: Dana Linden, Elyria Police Department ]

05/18/2026

🏀 The Cleveland Cavaliers are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals, and with a ☀️ beautiful day in Elyria, EPD officers decided to celebrate by handing out brand-new basketballs to some future NBA & WNBA stars.

05/18/2026

Today Mayor Kevin Brubaker swore in Elyria's newest Patrol Officer, Keaton Jordan. Keaton will attend the Lorain County Community College Police Academy in June. Congratulations and welcome to the City of Elyria, Ohio!