Lorain Police Department

05/24/2026

Reminder: Memorial Day Parade Traffic Advisory

The City of Lorain Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026. Please plan ahead for downtown road closures, parking restrictions, and possible traffic delays.

No Parking:
6:00 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m.
Broadway Avenue between W. Erie Avenue and W. 9th Street
Vehicles parked in violation of posted signs may be ticketed and towed.

Road Closures:
9:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m.

Closed to vehicle traffic:

* Broadway between W. 9th Street and W. Erie Avenue
* W. Erie Avenue between Broadway and Wickens Place
* Broadway between Black River Lane and City Hall Place
* Bascule Bridge in both directions

All closures and listed times are subject to change based on conditions. Motorists should expect delays, use alternate routes when possible, and use extra caution due to increased pedestrian traffic.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1RzX3i2DkwO6MQs1Vmnc4hZCKZucBWCI&usp=sharing

05/24/2026

Reminder: The Teen Summit is coming up Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at George Daniel Stadium.

This event is open to middle school and high school students and will feature guest speakers, open discussions, interactive activities, local officers, free food, and giveaways.

Join us for real talk, real issues, and real solutions as we create space for honest conversations about the challenges teens face today.

Your voice. Your future. Your community.

For more information, contact:
Miguel Baez: 440-522-8530

05/22/2026

The Lorain Police Department’s latest Weekly Crime Report is now available.
This report covers April 17, 2026 – May 15, 2026 and includes updated information on calls for service, repeat call locations, reported offenses, crash trends, shots fired/shooting activity, burglary/B&E hotspots, and drug hotspots.

View the full report here: https://www.cityoflorain.org/810/Police-News-Updates

05/22/2026

Lorain Police PIT Unit Apprehends Attempted Murder Suspect Following Brief Pursuit

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, officers from the Lorain Police Department’s Patrol Impact Team apprehended Eddie Ortiz, 32, who was wanted on an active arrest warrant for Attempted Murder out of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.

Just before 5:00 p.m., PIT officers observed a vehicle near West 14th Street and Reid Avenue in which they had reason to believe Ortiz was a passenger. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the area of West 18th Street and Long Avenue, but the driver failed to comply with lawful orders to pull over.

As officers followed the vehicle, Ortiz exited and fled on foot. PIT officers engaged in a brief foot pursuit and took Ortiz into custody.

No injuries were reported to Ortiz, officers, or bystanders.

Ortiz was transported to the Lorain County Jail and faces an additional charge of Obstructing Official Business. The driver, Kyli Velez-Sextella, 26, was also taken into custody and charged with Obstructing Official Business.

The incident is considered closed by arrest.

05/21/2026

The Lorain Under Water Recovery Unit recently completed training to continue strengthening readiness for water-related emergencies and recovery operations.

The Lorain Under Water Recovery Unit is a joint public safety unit made up of both Lorain Police Department and Lorain Fire Department personnel. This specialized team works together to support response efforts involving Lake Erie, local waterways, and other incidents where dive capabilities may be needed.

We are proud to highlight the continued training, teamwork, and dedication of the members who serve on this important unit.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to our newest Police Officer, Joseph Tomaro, on graduating from the Lorain County Community College Police Academy!

Officer Tomaro was part of graduating class 25-086, where all 20 cadets successfully completed and passed the academy. The program included approximately 900 hours of training across more than 13 units of study, including administration, legal studies, human relations, fi****ms, driving, subject control, OC spray, first aid, patrol, civil disorders, traffic, investigations, and incident command.

We also extend our congratulations to the entire graduating class on this outstanding accomplishment. Completing the academy takes dedication, discipline, and a strong commitment to public service.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Tomaro and the rest of class 25-086 as they begin the next chapter of their careers in law enforcement.

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Last Friday, members of the Lorain Police Department took part in Cleveland’s 41st Annual Police Memorial Parade in downtown Cleveland.

The parade was held as part of National Police Week, honoring local, county, state, and federal officers who died in the line of duty. The procession included law enforcement agencies, surviving family members, honor guards, and pipe bands, followed by a memorial service at the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial in Fort Huntington Park.

This year’s event held special meaning for our department, as Officer Phillip C. Wagner of the Lorain Police Department was one of four officers whose names were newly engraved on the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Wall.

The four names added were:

Patrolman William J. Keller — Ohio State Patrol
End of Watch: October 14, 1972

Officer Jamieson R. Ritter — Cleveland Police Department
End of Watch: July 4, 2024

Officer Phillip C. Wagner — Lorain Police Department
End of Watch: July 24, 2025

Patrolman Nicholas P. Clayton — Ohio State Patrol
End of Watch: October 16, 2025

Throughout the parade and memorial service, Officer Wagner and many other fallen officers were honored for their service, sacrifice, and lasting legacy.

We are grateful to stand with agencies, families, and communities from across the region in remembrance, respect, and honor.

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