OHIO — A Lorain man was arrested early Wednesday morning after police say he stole a vehicle from a garage and later crashed it near Lake Erie.
According to the Lorain Police Department, officers were called to a home on the city’s east side shortly after 7 a.m. after a resident reported that a running vehicle had been stolen from a garage. A short time later, police received calls from bystanders reporting a suspicious vehicle left in drive in a parking lot at 1203 East Erie Avenue.
Police said the unattended vehicle rolled forward, struck a dumpster, and continued toward a rocky cliff near the lake before coming to rest. Officers arrived at the scene and took the driver into custody.
The driver was identified as 46-year-old William Griffin of Lorain. Police charged Griffin with breaking and entering, grand theft auto, and reckless operation.
Griffin was transported to a local hospital for treatment of reported shortness of breath. Authorities said he will be taken to jail once medically cleared. The Lorain Police Traffic Bureau and patrol officers are continuing to investigate the incident and determine whether additional charges may be filed.
