ELYRIA, Ohio – An aggravated robbery targeting a Brinks armored truck at an Elyria AT&T store on Wednesday afternoon led to a high-speed, multi-city pursuit, a hostage situation in North Olmsted, and a fatal officer-involved shooting now under state investigation.
According to an Elyria Police Department press release, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:02 p.m. on January 21, 2026, to the AT&T store at 1547 West River Road North for an aggravated robbery involving a firearm and an armored vehicle.
The Brinks driver was forced into the armored truck at gunpoint and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash before the suspect fled the scene in a separate vehicle. Police identified and located the vehicle in Lorain. The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit began that stretched across Lorain County and into Cuyahoga County, with speeds reportedly reaching over 100 mph as the suspect traveled east on U.S. Route 20 and into North Olmsted.
Officers from multiple departments, including North Olmsted Police, deployed stop sticks near Columbia and Brookpark roads, disabling the suspect vehicle. The suspect then ran to a nearby apartment complex on Clareshire Drive, where authorities say he forced his way into an occupied apartment and held a woman and her four children at gunpoint, effectively using them as hostages.
While officers attempted to take the suspect into custody inside the apartment, police say he presented a handgun. In response to what Elyria Police Chief James Welsh described as a “deadly threat,” an Elyria officer fired, striking the suspect. A handgun believed to belong to the suspect was recovered inside the apartment, and a large amount of cash believed connected to the robbery was found in the vehicle.
The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Authorities have said his identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Chief Welsh publicly praised the officer’s actions, calling him “a hero” who helped prevent further harm following a violent crime, kidnapping, and armed confrontation. No injuries have been reported to officers, the hostage family, or other civilians, though at least one stray bullet reportedly struck a nearby home across the street.
Elyria Police say there is no remaining threat to the public. The department continues to handle the aggravated robbery investigation in Elyria, while the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has been called in to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The officer who fired has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure in such incidents.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Elyria Police have indicated that additional details will be released as they become available.