At 3:22 a.m., firefighters responded to the 300 block of Parmely Avenue, according to a news release from Elyria fire Chief Joseph Pronesti.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed that all occupants were safe, uninjured and had evacuated the single-family residence, the release stated.

Moderate fire conditions were found on the exterior southeast corner of the residence, according to the release.

The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews checked the interior and attic for extension and none was found, the release stated.

Pronesti requested the state Fire Marshal office to take charge of the investigation.

“Subsequent findings revealed that the cause of the fire was attributed to an occupant smoking inside the residence and discarding the cigarette outside a window,” the release stated.

Damages to the residence are estimated at $3,000, the release stated.

The Elyria Fire Department emphasizes the critical importance of fire safety, particularly regarding smoking materials, the release noted.

Smoking remains the leading cause of fire deaths, making it imperative to share vital prevention measures.

Whether an individual smokes or hosts guests who smoke, the Fire Department recommends smoking outdoors because furniture, bedding and papers inside the home can catch fire from burning cigarettes.

Also, keep a sturdy ashtray or bucket of sand available for smokers, according to the release.

“Smoke only when you are alert; if you take medicine or get sleepy, don’t smoke,” the release noted.

And, finally, never smoke near anyone who uses medical oxygen, the release stated.

If a fire starts, the oxygen will cause it to burn hotter and faster, according to the release.

“There is no safe way to smoke when oxygen is in use,” the release noted.

Tina Pauley, 38, was indicted secretly Oct. 5, 2022, under her maiden name of Smith on a charge of grand theft, a first-degree felony, and election falsification, a fifth-degree felony, according to Lorain County Common Pleas Court records.

At a court hearing Jan. 12, Smith was ordered to pay the remaining $7,790 left of her payments back to the court, which then will be returned to Bradley.

The felony charges were dismissed as part of the agreement, court records show.

Bradley fired Smith on July 13, 2022, as allegations arose regarding her misuse of funds.

The Lorain Police Department investigated the allegations on request of Bradley, which uncovered the theft of more than $20,000, the mayor said.

Based on surveillance video of Smith withdrawing cash from the election account and other evidence, investigators believe she’d been making the illegal transactions for two years, Bradley has said.

Following the police investigation, the matter was referred to the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office for its review, which lead to the secret indictment.

Authorities arrested Smith on Oct. 11 and released her from the Lorain County Jail the same day, according to jail and court records.

At the time, Bradley expressed his disappointment in Smith’s actions.

Bradley said the stolen funds were donations from his supporters who donated to his campaign while he was seeking re-election during the May primary last year.

Pauley was hired Jan. 2, 2020, and was paid $28.85 per hour at the time of her departure from the city’s payroll.

She also worked for Bradley at his private law firm before he took office as mayor in 2020.

Smith couldn’t be reached for comment Jan. 18.

When the investigation began, she declined to comment.

At 8:46 p.m., Huron County sheriff deputies responded to the Havana Tavern, located at 176 Gregory Road, near Willard, for a report of shots fired, according to a news release issued by Sheriff Todd Corbin’s office.

Two people were shot and transported to the hospital, the release stated

Kyle Vanderpool, 24, of the 3200 block of Baseline Road, was taken into custody, medically treated and transported to the Huron County Jail.

Vanderpool is facing two counts of felonious assault.

“We want to thank the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 39, Willard Fire Department and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for all their assistance,” the release stated.

Vanderpool appeared in Norwalk Municipal Court for an arraignment hearing Jan. 17, where a $100,000 bond was set by the court.

The court also ordered Vanderpool not to touch or possess any deadly weapon, consume alcohol or enter the premise of the Havana Tavern, records show.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Jan. 26.

The tavern addressed the situation in a social media post after temporarily closing the bar following the incident.

“As many of you have heard, our business has experienced a situation we never dreamed could have happened in our small community,” according to the post. “Tuesday evening two people were shot in a senseless act at Havana Tavern.

“Both men are in surgery. We thank you for your support in this difficult time and ask you to join us in praying for the full recovery of the victims of this tragedy.”

Kimbrough, 36, of Lorain, received his sentence Jan. 16 during a hearing before Lorain County Common Pleas Judge D. Chris Cook.

Lopez’s birthday fell on the same day as Kimbrough’s sentence hearing, according to Lorain County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Pierre.

The family and friends of both Lopez, who was 24, and Kimbrough filled Cook’s courtroom to capacity.

As Cook took the bench, he warned the audience that although he understood the emotional atmosphere, he would not hesitate to have anyone who was disruptive escorted from his courtroom “at the minimum.”

Kimbrough fatally shot Lopez with five rounds to her back while she was sitting in her vehicle Jan. 6, 2022, while taking a break from her manager’s job at the McDonald’s restaurant, 5250 Detroit Road in Sheffield Village.

One of the rounds went into Lopez’s arm and she attempted to fend off the onslaught of bullets, Pierre said.

Lopez lost consciousness as she died very quickly after the attack, he said.

Kimbrough and Lopez had an long-term ongoing “toxic” relationship during which they had two children together, said Kimbrough’s attorney, Michael Stepanik.

The two had scheduled to meet at the restaurant, because a few days prior to her homicide, Kimbrough broke into her residence and stole all of her shoes, Pierre said.

Kimbrough had promised Lopez to bring her shoes to her at their 9:45 a.m. meeting, Pierre said.

“But he didn’t bring the shoes, judge,” the prosecutor said. “He brought a gun.”

While Lopez was being attacked, there were multiple restaurant patrons in the area, police said.

Following Lopez’s murder, Kimbrough fled from authorities for 101 days until his capture in April 2022.

While Kimbrough was running from the law, Lopez’s family lived in fear that he would “strike again,” said Lopez’s mother, Jessica Mojica.

“She was a fierce protector,” Mojica said of her daughter. “She was a dedicated worker from the age of 16.

“She had the best sense of humor, always joking and flashing her beautiful smile.”

Mojica wore a purple shirt with her daughter’s picture on it as did many of Lopez’s supporters.

The family chose the color purple because its the tint of domestic abuse awareness, Pierre said.

Others in the audience wore green shirts because green was Lopez’s favorite color.

Lopez’s young children, accompanied by their aunt, Erika Padilla, also attended the hearing and spoke of the sorrow they felt over the sudden loss of their mother.

Lopez’s younger brother and older sister also spoke out against Kimbrough, admonishing him for the loss of Lopez.

Meanwhile, Pierre told the court that Kimbrough had exhibited “a complete lack of remorse” following Lopez’s murder.

Stepanik disagreed telling the court that Kimbrough, in fact, felt remorseful for his actions.

“I’m sad for James because of what he did,” Stepanik told the court.

Kimbrough also spoke during the hearing.

“My actions were very selfish …. I can only believe that I did what I did to get her out of my life,” he said. “However, in doing so, I did more than I ever could imagine.

“I did not just take her life from her, but I took her out of the lives of her children and her family and her friends. Not only did she not deserve it, but they didn’t either. There’s nothing I can ever say or do that can make up for that.

“I can say that I’m sorry and I don’t expect forgiveness, but I’ll spend the rest of my life begging for it.”

Kimbrough was the last to speak before Cook handed down the sentencing.

“All I can say is my heart goes out to the family for this tragic loss,” the judge said.

On Jan. 11, Kimbrough pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated murder; three counts of murder charges, each with different legal specifications; two counts of felonious assault; tampering with evidence; having weapons while under disability and violation of a protection order, which all are felonies.

As part of the plea agreement, two other felony cases were dismissed.

Kimbrough will be eligible for early release after he serves 31 years in prison, which will exclude the time he’s spent in the Lorain County Jail since April 2022, Cook said.

Cook also ordered Kimbrough to pay $9,900 for Lopez’s funeral expenses as part of the sentence.

Editor’s note: This story was edited at 9:15 a.m. Jan. 17, 2024, to correct the spelling of the victim’s name.

Brian Dawson, 59, of Elyria, died during a standoff after he pointed a gun at a Lorain County Metro Parks Ranger who was attempting to speak with him while in his vehicle at the Sheldon Woods, Indian Hollow Reservation, at 38744 Parson Road in Grafton, according to a news release.

Dawson pointed a handgun at the ranger who retreated for cover as he called for backup, the release said.

The Lorain County SWAT team was called and negotiations continued for hours.

As Dawson fired a handgun at SWAT officers, they returned fire and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Elyria Police Department was asked to investigate the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this is encouraged to contact Lt. Gerald Lantz at lantz@cityofelyria.org.

Tipsters also may submit an anonymous tip by texting TIPELYRIA and your tip to 847411.

Police said investigators had earlier interviewed Albert Alderman, 33, after he called 911 shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday and said Kelsie Barnier, 29, was unresponsive. Police initially reported no signs of trauma on the body. But police said the Lucas County coroner later concluded that Barnier died of strangulation and ruled the death a homicide.

Police said they contacted Alderman and he agreed to meet, but he later refused to do so. SWAT detectives sent to his home saw him driving off shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday, police said. Police tried to stop him, but he fled and later stuck a handgun out of his window and pointed it in the direction of officers, police said. An officer fired a round into the rear window of Alderman’s vehicle, police said.

He later abruptly stopped the vehicle, got out and pointed a gun at officers, police said. Four officers then fired, and he fell to the ground.

Alderman began to get back up and again pointed the weapon at officers, and they continued to fire, causing him to fall again with the gun in his hand, still pointed at officers, police said. Eventually they were able to kick the weapon out of his hand, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The officers will be placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation, and two officers are seeking medical attention for hearing loss sustained during the events, police said. The officers’ information, body-worn camera footage and dash-cam footage will be released later, officials said.

In Elyria Municipal Court, Glynn was charged with intimidation, a third-degree felony, according to court records.

At 11:17 p.m., Dec. 25, Lorain County sheriff’s deputies were sent to JC Huffman Inn and Motor Lodge, at 44077 Oberlin-Elyria Road in New Russia Township, for a domestic violence incident, according to a Lorain County Sheriff’s Office report.

Glynn and a woman had an argument regarding a conversation between the woman and her daughter while the couple was visiting family in the area, she told deputies.

The woman also told deputies that Glynn had had several alcoholic beverages before the two argued on the way back to the hotel, and that Glynn became violent in the vehicle, yelling and threatened to beat her, the report stated.

When they arrived at the motel, Glynn got out of the vehicle and the woman “locked the vehicle doors to stay separated from him,” the report stated.

Glynn began punching the window, kicking the car and jumping on the hood.

The woman told deputies she “attempted to plead and reason with Vincent to stop, at which time he told her to get out of the vehicle and he wouldn’t hurt her,” the report stated.

However, as she began to get out of the vehicle Glynn pulled her out, dragged her into their motel room where he kicked and punched her in her face, the report stated.

The woman said she was screaming for help and attempted to call 911 on the motel phone when Glynn took the phone and struck her with it, the report stated.

The woman attempted to call 911 with Glynn’s cell phone.

The woman told the deputies she doesn’t have a cell phone due to Glynn breaking it during a prior domestic violence incident in Florida where it is alleged that he assaulted, strangled and attempted to stab her.

Deputies noted in the report that Glynn had an active warrant out of Florida for strangulation and domestic battery.

LifeCare Ambulance paramedics transported the woman to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center.

Glynn left the area in the woman’s 2009 Subaru Tribeca which contained her belongings.

Deputies searched for Glynn but were unsuccessful in locating him until Dec. 30 when he was apprehended at Homewood Suites, the report stated.

While in Lorain County Jail, Glynn allegedly contacted the victim.

During the phone call, Glynn is heard yelling at the victim for speaking to deputies and making statements such as, “I threatened to kill you, you said you never told,” the report stated.

Glynn also was recorded on another phone call to a family member instructing her to reach out to the victim to persuade her not to appear at the court hearing.

On Dec. 31, Glynn again called the same family member and instructed her to remove the license plate from the victim’s vehicle so that she would be forced to “drive it without any plate and get stopped by the police,” the report stated.

Glynn remains in the Lorain County Jail on a $275,000 bond, records show.

Each of the charges against Glynn have been bound over by Oberlin and Elyria Municipal courts.

Further court hearings have not yet been scheduled.

Conducted through Lorain County Public Health, the committee meets quarterly to review local fatal vehicle crashes to identify trends and develop possible countermeasures and interventions to prevent similar crashes, the release said.

• One crash involved alcohol

• One crash involved drugs and alcohol

• Three crashes involved high speed

• Two crashes involved motorcycles; both were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash

• Two drivers were younger than the age of 30

• Three drivers were older than the age of 50

• Two crashes involved people who were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

As of Dec. 7, 20 fatal crashes and 21 deaths occurred in 2023, according to the release.

A seat belt was not used in 54% of the crashes; alcohol was a factor in 40% of the crashes; eight of the crashes involved a motorcycle; five of the crashes involved a victim younger than the age of 24; and 50% of the crashes occurred in rural and urban areas of Lorain County, the release said.

On Lorain County roads in 2022, 20 fatal crashes occurred, and 21 people died.

In 2021, 33 fatal crashes occurred, and 38 people died.

In 2020, 15 fatal crashes occurred and 16 people died.

“One death is too many,” said Mark Adams, Lorain County Public Health health commissioner, in the release. “Safe roads depend on all of us.”

The Traffic Fatality Review Committee and the Safe Communities Coalition remind Lorain County residents to:

• Drive sober. If you feel different, you drive different. Ask someone to be your designated driver or order an Uber or Lyft.

• Drive focused. It’s now illegal in Ohio to use or hold a cell phone or other electronic device with your hands, in your lap or with any other part of your body while driving.

• Buckle up.

A total of 108 law enforcement agencies will receive funding as part of the third round of the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program.

Of those agencies, 32 will use funding to create new body-worn camera programs and 76 agencies will dedicate funding toward expanding or upgrading existing technology, the release said.

The agencies receiving the funding include:

• Cleveland Metroparks, $29,446

• Erie County Sheriff’s Office, $31,610

• Lorain County Metro Parks, $14,423

• North Ridgeville Police, $83,549

“Body-worn cameras are important for both the protection of our law enforcement officers and members of the public,” DeWine said in the release. “My administration is proud to support our police departments and sheriff’s offices will the cost of this equipment so that agencies big and small can outfit their peace officers with cameras.”

DeWine created the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program in 2021.

More than 300 law enforcement agencies have received funding as part of the program, including over 200 law enforcement agencies that received nearly $10 million in grants in the 2022-23 biennium.

The Ohio General Assembly allotted an additional $10 million to the program as part of the current 2024-2025 biennium, $5 million of which will be awarded next year.

Ohio’s Office of Criminal Justice Services, which is administering the grant program, received $10.7 million worth of grant requests for this round of funding. All qualifying agencies that applied for grants to establish new body-worn camera programs received funding, and the remaining funds went to existing programs to upgrade aging cameras, add storage capacity, or hire record-retention personnel.

Elyria police detectives obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the residence at 331 Parmely Ave. as part of an ongoing criminal
investigation, the release said.

At 2:12 p.m., the Elyria Police Department Special Response Team (SRT) executed the search warrant which was the correct address of the search warrant, the release said.

During the tactical operation, two diversionary devices, commonly known as a “flash-bangs,” were deployed outside of the residence.

These devices produce sound and light that are noticeable in day or night conditions and are intended to distract the attention of the suspect.

Diversionary devices do not produce a continuous burn and they do not deploy or contain any pepper gas or chemical agents, the release said.

After repeated announcements, the tactical team entered the house, where a woman and her 17-month-old child were located.

The mother informed officers that the child had a pre-existing medical condition.

Elyria police detectives, Elyria Fire Department paramedics and the mother assessed the child’s condition, confirming that the toddler did not suffer any apparent or visible injuries, according to the release.

The child’s mother told detectives that she intended to take the child to the hospital due to a pre-existing illness unrelated to the tactical operation, however, she lacked an available car seat for transportation, the release said.

Elyria detectives called LifeCare Ambulance to the scene to provide medical attention that paramedics deemed necessary.

LifeCare paramedics arrived, examined the child and provided transportation to a nearby hospital.

“Any allegation suggesting the child was exposed to chemical agents, lack of medical attention or negligence is not true,” the release said.

The investigation that led to the affidavit to obtain a search warrant remains active and ongoing, according to the release.

As the investigation progresses, additional details will be released to the public, the release said.