ELYRIA, Ohio — A 44-year-old Elyria man is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after police say he admitted to entering unlocked vehicles behind a local auto shop and stealing items including drugs, money, and tools.
Charles Andrew Seaman III was arrested on June 24, 2025, by Elyria Police following a criminal damaging complaint at Pais Auto on Broad Street. Employees discovered evidence of tampering in the parking lot, including papers on the ground and signs that vehicles had been rummaged through overnight.
Police say Seaman was spotted on Middle Avenue near Sederis Lane. When officers approached, he fled on foot but was apprehended shortly afterward on 6th Street. According to the arrest report, Seaman admitted to entering multiple unlocked vehicles because he believed he had an outstanding warrant and was trying to avoid police.
Officers searched Seaman’s backpack and recovered the following items:
- Ten pills marked “Mylan 471,” suspected to be diazepam
- A metal cylindrical pipe with chore boy
- Multiple pocket knives and utility blades
- A dashcam, perfume bottles, and other suspected stolen items
- $62.09 in U.S. currency
In total, eleven vehicles were found unlocked, though only one was confirmed to have missing property. Seaman told officers he had been staying in the woods behind the business.
He was booked at the Lorain County Jail and later released on a personal bond totaling $3,500. Charges were filed in Elyria Municipal Court under case number 2025CRB02051. He faces four misdemeanor counts:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – M1 (ORC 2925.11A1)
- Theft – M1 (ORC 2913.02)
- Obstructing Official Business – M2 (ORC 2921.31)
- Possessing Drug Abuse Instruments – M2 (ORC 2925.12)
A public defender was appointed to represent Seaman, and Judge Robert C. White is presiding over the case. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for August 4, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Courtroom A of the Elyria Municipal Court.
Seaman has a prior criminal history including contempt of court, breaking and entering, and drug-related offenses. His bond was set based on probable cause, and court records show a total of $174 in court costs and public defender fees assessed so far.
He remains out on bond pending his next court appearance.