06/22/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT – FOLLOW-UP TO ELY SQUARE INCIDENT AND RELEASE
OF BODY-WORN CAMERA FOOTAGE
June 22, 2026
The Elyria Police Department is releasing body-worn camera footage related to the arrests that occurred in Ely Square on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The release of this footage is consistent with the department's commitment to transparency and providing the community with additional information regarding this incident.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 5:09 p.m., Elyria Police bicycle officers attempted to de-escalate a confrontation between two individuals in Ely Square. One of those individuals was a 14-year-old male whom officers observed engaging in disorderly behavior, including repeatedly using vulgar language in a public setting and creating a condition that officers believed presented a risk of inconvenience, annoyance, alarm, or physical harm to others present.
The juvenile male was detained and subsequently charged with Disorderly Conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, and later released to his mother.
Shortly thereafter, the juvenile's 15-year-old sister became involved in the incident. Body-worn camera footage shows officers attempting to calm the juvenile, explain the circumstances, and provide repeated lawful commands. Several adults who were present also attempted to calm her.
Despite these efforts, the juvenile continued to yell, use profane language, interrupt officers, and refuse repeated lawful commands.
As the incident continued, a large crowd gathered around the officers. Additional officers
responded to assist. When officers attempted to place the juvenile into custody, she physically
resisted their efforts. Multiple officers attempted to gain control of the juvenile while additional officers responded to the scene to assist and maintain crowd control.
Two adults, Marcus Dowdell, 39, of Elyria, and Ciera Ramon, 48, of Elyria, were also arrested
after officers alleged that they interfered with the arrest of the juvenile.
The body-worn camera footage shows one officer utilizing a control technique while assisting other officers who were attempting to restrain the juvenile. Specifically, the officer took a top-mounted position and applied pressure with his shin to the upper back and neck area of the juvenile to prevent her from rolling over while she was being handcuffed.
I have personally reviewed the available body-worn camera footage and other evidence related to this incident. This particular use of force has generated understandable concern within our community. Based upon my initial review of the available evidence, I have concerns regarding the officer's actions, and he has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of an administrative investigation.
While the conduct of individuals involved in this incident remains subject to the criminal justice
process, we also hold our officers to the highest professional standards. The actions of all
officers involved will be thoroughly reviewed in accordance with department policy, training,
and established procedures.
At this time, I have received no reports of injuries to any officers or individuals involved in the incident.
The 15-year-old female juvenile was transported to the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Home and charged with:
• Harassment by an Inmate (Felony 5)
• Obstructing Official Business (Misdemeanor 2)
• Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor 2)
• Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor 3)
• Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor 4)
Ciera Ramon, 48, was charged with:
• Obstructing Official Business (Misdemeanor 2)
• Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor 2)
Ms. Ramon was issued a criminal summons and released pending an initial appearance in Elyria
Municipal Court.
Marcus Dowdell, 39, was charged with:
• Assault on a Peace Officer (Felony 4)
• Obstructing Official Business (Misdemeanor 2)
• Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor 2)
Mr. Dowdell was transported to the Lorain County Jail pending the posting of bond or
arraignment.
The Elyria Police Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and
maintaining the public's trust. Additional information, including body-worn camera footage and the results of any administrative and disciplinary investigations, will be released as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, department policy, and the integrity of the investigative process.
James P. Welsh
Chief of Police
Elyria Police Department
Content Warning – Viewer Discretion Advised
The following body-worn camera footage contains strong language, physical interactions between police officers and individuals, and scenes that some viewers may find disturbing. The footage is being released in the interest of transparency and to provide additional context regarding this incident. Viewer discretion is advised.
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