Elyria police execute search warrant where diversionary devices used, no one arrested

Elyria police executed a search warrant at a house Jan. 10 where officers used diversionary devices, which did not yield arrests, but a child was transported to a local medical center for a pre-existing condition which was unrelated to the tactical operation, according to a news release from Elyria police Lt. Bill Lantz, of the Investigative Division.

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.