Elyria Police arrested a Lorain woman late Saturday after a traffic stop on Lake Avenue led officers to methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of attempted tampering, according to a police report.
Officers conducted the stop around 11 p.m. on November 29, 2025, after observing a silver Hyundai Sonata traveling without a visible registration. The vehicle continued northbound for several hundred feet before sto pping on Dewey Avenue. Police spoke with the driver and the front-seat passenger, who later identified herself as Ashley Maria Carter, 30, of Lorain.
During the stop, officers reported that Carter made repeated movements toward the floorboard and gave multiple false names before her identity was confirmed. Police also learned she had active warrants through the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.
A probable-cause search of the vehicle uncovered a white crystal-like substance on the passenger-side floorboard, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Officers also found a backpack containing a glass smoking device, a syringe, a digital scale with suspected drug residue, and identification belonging to Carter.
The driver was cited for driving under suspension and display of plates, and was released at the scene after officers arranged for the vehicle to be towed.
Carter was taken into custody and transported to the Lorain County Jail. According to the report, a later review of patrol vehicle video showed her removing a small baggie from inside her clothing and attempting to swallow its contents while handcuffed. A search of the patrol car resulted in the recovery of another baggie of suspected methamphetamine, which also tested positive.
Carter was charged with tampering with evidence, illegal conveyance of drugs into a detention facility, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug abuse instruments, obstructing official business, and drug paraphernalia. She was held without bond pending her initial appearance in Elyria Municipal Court.
Police noted that the incident was recorded on body-worn cameras and the patrol vehicle’s onboard camera.