ELYRIA – Police arrested two men after a woman was found with serious head injuries following an assault on November 15 at a residence on Melvyn Lane. Officers arrived shortly after 9:30 p.m. and found the victim receiving treatment from Lifecare paramedics, who noted swelling consistent with a possible skull fracture. She was transported to Elyria University Hospitals for further care.
According to the police report, the incident began as a verbal argument between the victim and W. J. Hinson III. Witnesses told officers that Hinson shoved the woman, causing her to fall, and then punched her several times. One witness noted the victim had recently undergone a C-section and was still healing from the procedure.
Police say a second man, Troy Smallwood, became involved during the struggle. Witnesses reported that Smallwood also struck the victim while Hinson was on top of her. At the hospital, the victim told officers that similar incidents had happened in the past and that she was becoming increasingly afraid of the situation.
Officers attempted to locate both men that night but were advised Hinson had left the residence before their arrival. The next morning, police received information from North Ridgeville officers regarding a vehicle linked to the incident. Elyria police located the vehicle on Melvyn Lane and arrested Smallwood without incident. A short time later, officers located Hinson at a nearby residence and took him into custody as well.
Both men were transported to the Lorain County Jail. Police say they were charged with felonious assault, and Hinson faces an additional domestic violence charge. Both were held without bond pending their initial court appearances.
Officers documented the victim’s injuries through photographs, collected medical release forms, obtained witness statements, and recorded the incident on body camera as part of the investigation. The case remains under review by the Elyria Municipal Court.