Lorain Police Department

06/16/2026

Scam Alert: Fake Jury Duty / Warrant Calls

Please be aware that scam calls can sound legitimate. This call was fielded by one of our Captains after the scammer misdialed a number.

In this call, the scammer used the name “Timothy,” but that was not the Captain’s name. The caller had misdialed and was using information that did not match the person who answered.

A scammer may know your name, address, court information, or other details that seem real. That does not mean the call is real. Many details involving courts, government agencies, property, and public records can be found online. Scammers use that information to make their story sound believable.

You may have missed jury duty or have a real court issue that needs addressed, but it will not be resolved by sending money through Apple Pay, Zelle, cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or a payment kiosk during a phone call.

In these scams, callers claim to be a Sergeant, Deputy, Captain, or other official. They say you missed jury duty, have a warrant, or could be arrested.

They will sound serious. They will speak quickly, sometimes mispronouncing words. They may transfer you to another “official,” tell you to stay on the phone, and slowly build fear before asking for money.

A real warrant is not cleared over the phone by sending money.

Be suspicious if a caller:

• Threatens arrest if you do not pay

• Tells you not to hang up or talk to anyone

• Gives no safe call-back number

• Demands payment through Zelle, Apple Pay, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or kiosks

• Says the money will be refunded later

• Handles a serious legal issue in a rushed, unofficial way

How to verify:

Hang up. Look up the official number yourself. Do not rely on the number the caller gives you.

Call the court, sheriff’s office, or police department directly and ask if the claim is real. Talk to someone you trust before sending money.

Scammers want you scared, rushed, and alone.

Stop. Hang up. Verify.

Please share this with parents, grandparents, neighbors, and anyone who may be targeted by phone scams.

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency concerns, contact your local law enforcement agency directly.

06/16/2026

Registration for Lorain Police Safety Town is still open!

We still have openings available for several upcoming sessions, with the most availability currently in our July afternoon classes.

Safety Town provides children with a fun, hands-on learning experience focused on important safety topics, including:

• Traffic and pedestrian safety
• Bike safety and helmet use
• When and how to call 911
• Stranger awareness
• Fire safety and emergency preparedness

Classes are held Monday through Thursday at Lorain High School, 2600 Ashland Avenue.

Class Times:
Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Afternoon Session: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

If you've been considering signing your child up, now is a great time. Our July afternoon sessions still have several spots available, but registration is required!

Register here:
https://www.cityoflorain.org/803/Community-Programs

06/16/2026

Update: Sold Out!

Thank you for all who came out and supported!

We will be back out again soon with a little more notice next time!
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Come get some free ice cream 🍦!

Located on the corner Euclid Avenue & Larkmoor St.

Faith Ministries Christian Center Parking Lot!

06/16/2026

How Officers Solved It – Aggravated Menacing and Felonious Assault

In April 2026, officers investigated a report involving a suspect accused of attempting to run over multiple individuals with a vehicle. As the case developed, officers identified the suspect, and warrants were issued.

As part of the investigation, the associated vehicle was entered into the Flock system to assist officers in locating both the vehicle and the suspect. Officers used that information alongside investigative follow-up and patrol coordination to narrow their search.

Within days of the warrants being issued, officers located the vehicle while on patrol, conducted a traffic stop, confirmed the suspect’s identity, and safely took him into custody without incident.

The suspect was charged in connection with the incident. This case shows how investigative work, officer follow-up, patrol coordination, and technology-assisted alerts helped officers quickly and safely move a serious case forward.

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Last week, members of the Lorain Police Department were recognized at the 2026 Ohio Tactical Officers Association Awards Ceremony during the OTOA Tactical Operations & Public Safety Conference in Sandusky, Ohio.

This recognition followed the July 23, 2025 ambush attack in which Lorain officers responded without hesitation to aid their fellow officers during a rapidly evolving and life-threatening incident.

Several Lorain Police personnel were awarded the OTOA Medal of Valor for courageous actions in the face of extreme danger:

Lieutenant Eric Manicsic
Lieutenant Jamie Ball
Sergeant Ryan Vrooman
Detective Matthew Hartman
Detective Craig Payne
Detective Sanders Sanchez
Officer Peter Gale
Officer Nicholas Gerace
Officer Brent Payne

The Lorain Police Department was also honored with the OTOA Team Valor Award, recognizing the collective bravery, professionalism, and decisive response of those involved.

The OTOA Life Saving Award was presented to Lorain Police personnel who placed themselves at risk to save another person in imminent danger:

Sergeant Ryan Vrooman
Detective Matthew Hartman
Detective Craig Payne
Detective Cielo Rodriguez
Detective Corey Shoemaker
Officer Nicholas Gerace
Officer Erin Sugerik

Most importantly, we continue to honor the life and service of Officer Phillip C. Wagner, whose End of Watch was July 24, 2025. Officer Wagner was posthumously recognized with the OTOA Medal of Sacrifice, which was accepted by his wife, Jessica Wagner, on his behalf.

This ceremony was a meaningful moment of recognition not only for our department, but for Officer Wagner’s family, his fellow officers, and the Lorain community.

We remain forever grateful for Officer Wagner’s service and sacrifice, and we are proud of the Lorain Police personnel whose courage and commitment were recognized among agencies from across the country.

06/12/2026

You can also follow LPD on Instagram to see more!

06/11/2026

Week One of Safety Town is officially in the books!

Throughout the week, students learned important safety lessons in a fun, hands-on environment. From crossing streets and learning traffic signs, to bicycle safety, school bus safety, fire safety, railroad safety, water safety, seatbelt safety, and more, our Safety Town students covered a lot in just four days.

Students also learned about stranger awareness, safe touches, unsafe places, gun safety, where to go for help, and how to make smart decisions in everyday situations.

A special thank you to everyone who helped make Week One possible, including our officers, instructors, student guards, volunteers, families, and community partners. Safety Town truly could not happen without the time, care, and support of everyone who stepped in to teach, guide, and encourage our students throughout the week.

Congratulations to our Safety Town graduates, we are proud of all you learned this week!

06/11/2026

Big Boy No. 4014 Visits Lorain, Ohio

This week Lorain had the opportunity to be part of history as Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 made its way through our community during the America 250 Coast-to-Coast Tour.

Known as the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014 was originally delivered to Union Pacific in 1941 and later restored to service in 2019. Today, it is the only operational Big Boy remaining, giving communities across the country a rare chance to see a piece of American railroad history in motion.

The stop brought residents, families, rail fans, and visitors together to witness something truly unique as Lorain joined communities across the country in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Thank you to everyone who came out, watched safely, and helped make this historic moment special for Lorain.