An Elyria man wanted in connection with a recent string of drive-by shootings was taken into custody Thursday afternoon following a dangerous police pursuit that ended in a multi-vehicle crash on State Route 2.
According to a press release from the Elyria Police Department, 38-year-old Terrence Jackson of Lorain was arrested after leading officers on a chase that began around 2:15 p.m. on June 26. Detectives had identified Jackson as a suspect in an ongoing shooting investigation and had learned he previously made threats against one of the victims. Jackson also had multiple outstanding warrants, including a felony domestic violence warrant out of Lorain and a failure to appear warrant from Strongsville.
Jackson was spotted driving a black Jeep on Lake Avenue near the northern city limits. Patrol units attempted a traffic stop near Lake Avenue and Rambler Avenue. He initially pulled over but then fled in the vehicle, prompting a pursuit into Lorain County.
The pursuit escalated when Jackson entered the eastbound lanes of State Route 2 driving the wrong way. Officers temporarily lost sight of him before he crashed near the North Ridge Road overpass. Four other vehicles were damaged in the crash or while trying to avoid the collision.
Emergency crews responded to the scene. Jackson was ejected from his vehicle and taken into custody on the roadway. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Three other individuals were also transported to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police recovered a handgun from Jackson’s vehicle, which matched evidence linked to at least one of the earlier shootings. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is handling the crash investigation, while Elyria Detectives continue work on the broader shooting case.
Jackson is currently charged with five offenses:
- Failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer (F3)
- Having weapons while under disability (F3)
- Carrying a concealed weapon (F4)
- Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle (F4)
- Driving under suspension (M1)
Additional charges are expected. Once released from the hospital, Jackson will be transported to the Lorain County Jail to await an initial court appearance.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh issued a statement Thursday evening, saying, “The reckless actions of Mr. Jackson, a fleeing felon armed with a handgun and wanted in connection with multiple shootings, put countless innocent lives at risk and led to injuries among members of our community as well as Jackson himself. His blatant disregard for public safety is both unacceptable and deeply troubling. I commend our officers for their swift response and bringing this dangerous fugitive to justice.”
The incident drew a large law enforcement presence and temporarily disrupted traffic on Route 2. The Elyria Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, Amherst Police Department, and Lorain Police Department.
This remains an active investigation.
Media inquiries may be directed to Captain Bill Lantz at the Elyria Police Department: 440-326-1214 or lantz@cityofelyria.org.