ELYRIA, Ohio — An Elyria man was arrested early Thursday after police said a traffic stop revealed he had accumulated 54 driver’s license suspensions, including multiple active OVI-related suspensions.

According to the Elyria Police Department, officers were patrolling near West River Road North and David Drive at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when they observed a red Nissan pickup truck fail to use a proper turn signal before turning westbound onto David Drive. Officers attempted a traffic stop, and the vehicle continued at a slow speed before eventually coming to a stop in a parking lot.

Police identified the driver as 39-year-old Eddie Alberto Cruz of Lorain. Officers stated they had stopped Cruz in the past and were aware his driver’s license had been suspended.

According to the report, officers determined Cruz had 54 driver’s license suspensions on his driving record, including 27 active suspensions or failures to reinstate. Police also reported he was under multiple OVI suspensions and a 12-point suspension. The report states Cruz had previously been convicted three times of operating a vehicle under an OVI suspension since July 30, 2024.

Police said the same red Nissan pickup truck had previously been impounded following an earlier traffic stop involving Cruz, but ownership had since been transferred to a family member. According to the report, the vehicle will be held until the registered owner is issued a wrongful entrustment citation.

Cruz was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under an OVI suspension. He was also cited for expired registration before being transported to the Lorain County Jail, where he was being held pending a court appearance.