Elyria, Ohio — Elyria Police are investigating the in-custody death of a 30-year-old man following a violent disturbance Saturday night at the Sycamore Suites Hotel on Midway Boulevard.
According to a statement from Police Chief James Welsh, officers were dispatched around 8:35 p.m. on November 1, 2025, after reports that an adult male suspect was making threatening statements toward hotel guests and had attempted to assault a 14-year-old. Witnesses told police the man appeared to be under the influence of drugs or suffering from a mental health crisis.
When officers arrived, they identified the suspect as Devon Fitch, who was reportedly staying at the hotel with two family members. Fitch was inside his room, yelling that he had a weapon and refusing to let officers inside. He was described as shirtless and bleeding from his hands. A woman in the room could be heard screaming for help while Fitch shouted that she was dying.
Officers attempted to force entry but were delayed as Fitch used the door to barricade himself inside. During the standoff, he shattered a large mirror and began wielding a broken section of glass as a weapon. Officers ultimately breached the door and deployed department-issued pepper balls and tasers in an attempt to subdue Fitch, who resisted arrest. Multiple officers were needed to handcuff him due to his combative behavior and physical strength.
Once restrained, Fitch began showing signs of medical distress. Officers placed him in a rescue position and requested paramedics. Lifecare Ambulance responded and transported Fitch to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Police detectives, working with the Lorain County Coroner’s Office, are conducting an investigation. An autopsy will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Two family members, a 49-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, were in the hotel room during the incident. The woman told investigators Fitch had physically assaulted her before and during the confrontation and had threatened to kill her. Both witnesses said they believed police intervention likely saved their lives.
Two Elyria officers were also injured during the incident and later treated and released from the hospital.
“This was a volatile and dynamic situation where officers had to act swiftly to protect lives,” Chief Welsh said in the release. “Their actions prevented further harm and ensured the safety of the other family members inside that room. We are committed to transparency and will provide more information on the investigation when it becomes available.”
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Lt. Tom Wade at 440-326-1362.