ELYRIA, Ohio — Police arrested an Elyria man after finding dangerous drugs and loaded guns in two homes during a drug trafficking investigation. One of the homes was just blocks away from Elyria High School.
The Elyria Police Department served two search warrants on Thursday, April 3, as part of an ongoing investigation. The man at the center of the case is Roderick Cross Jr., 33, who later turned himself in to police.
Why Police Searched the Homes
The Elyria Police Narcotics Unit led the investigation. Officers served two search warrants on the same day — one at a home on Garden Street and another on Middle Avenue.
These searches were connected to the arrest of Roderick Cross Jr., who is now in jail facing serious drug and gun charges.
What Police Found on Garden Street
At the home on Garden Street, officers found:
- A loaded short-barreled rifle
- Over 6 ounces of powdered fentanyl
- 13 grams of suspected fentanyl pills
- 7 grams of crack cocaine
Fentanyl is a very dangerous drug. Even a small amount can be deadly. The amount found in this home could harm many people.
What Police Found on Middle Avenue
The second home, located on Middle Avenue, is close to Elyria High School. Inside, police found:
- A loaded handgun with an extended magazine
Officers also found a woman named Melanie Crespo inside. She had a warrant out for her arrest from Westlake. Elyria Police turned her over to the Westlake Police Department.
Who Is Roderick Cross Jr.?
Roderick Cross Jr. turned himself in to police after the searches. He is now being held in Lorain County Jail without bond.
Cross faces several serious charges, including:
- Trafficking in fentanyl (F-1)
- Possession of fentanyl (F-1)
- Trafficking in cocaine (F-3, with a juvenile specification)
- Possession of cocaine (F-4)
- Weapons under disability (F-3)
- Corrupting another with drugs (F-2)
These charges suggest the drugs may have been around minors, which could lead to tougher penalties.
What Police Are Saying
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh said the case shows how serious the department is about fighting drug crime. He said officers are working hard to keep illegal drugs and firearms out of the community.
“This investigation reflects our officers’ commitment to removing dangerous drugs from our community and keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals who are prohibited from possessing them,” said Chief Welsh.
Why This Matters to the Community
The fact that loaded guns and fentanyl were found near a school is very concerning to many families in Elyria. Fentanyl is deadly even in tiny amounts. Having it near homes, schools, or children puts the entire neighborhood at risk.
The Middle Avenue home is located just blocks from Elyria High School, raising fears about safety for students and parents.
What Happens Next
Cross is currently awaiting his first court appearance. If found guilty, he could face many years in prison due to the amount of drugs and the serious charges.
Police are continuing their investigation and have not said whether more arrests will be made.
Help Keep Elyria Safe
This case is a reminder of the growing fentanyl problem in Ohio. If you see signs of drug activity in your neighborhood, report it to the Elyria Police Department.
Do you live near Garden Street or Middle Avenue? Were you aware of this investigation?
Share your thoughts and help spread awareness.