LORAIN, Ohio — On Thursday morning, the Lorain Police Department held a press conference to provide new details after an officer shot a suspect on Oct. 7 who was allegedly breaking into a vehicle on West 17th Street.
“The purpose of the press conference is transparency and to provide clarifying details to the media and the public and everyone who wants information,” said Lorain Police Chief Jim McCann at the beginning of the press conference.
During the briefing, McCann identified the suspect as Dustin Lee Terry, who has a lengthy history of criminal activity in Lorain County. The 26-year-old man has been involved in five separate cases since 2016: three drug investigations, one weapons violation and one theft case.
The full press conference can be watched below:
Additionally, McCann noted that Terry had just completed a 1-year probation period on Oct. 6.
NEW CASE DETAILS
Upon arriving at the scene after receiving a 911 call from a resident, police spoke with a woman, who was later charged in connection with the incident.
Police asked the woman, later identified as 28-year-old Sienna Plaza, if she saw anyone breaking into cars. She then misled officers, referring them to houses east of the caller’s residence.
Moments later, police found Terry, ordering him to put his hands down. Police then deployed a taser, but it was ineffective, leading to a foot pursuit.
In a bodycam video that was shown during the press conference, Terry is shown brandishing a gun and turning toward an officer directly behind him. Lorain police officer Isaiah Taylor, who has been with the department since 2019, fired five shots at the suspect. Investigators said Terry was struck four times.
Terry fell to the ground and was taken into custody. Officers also provided first aid at the scene.
Terry has since been released from the hospital and is currently being held at the Cuyahoga County Jail.
Plaza later confessed to Elyria police that she transported Terry to the scene and provided him with the firearm. She has been charged with complicity to aggravated robbery.
McCann noted that Terry is facing multiple charges, including aggravated robbery. In addition, he will most likely face other charges after the investigation is over.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The Elyria Police Department is investigating the case after a request was made by McCann. During Thursday's briefing, Elyria Police Capt. Bill Lantz gave an update on where the review of the case stands.
Police anticipate that the investigation should be complete in 1-2 months.