LORAIN — Lorain police arrested a 46-year-old man Wednesday after a vehicle was driven from a residential garage and later crashed down a rocky embankment near the Lake Erie shoreline.
According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The suspect, identified as William Griffin, allegedly entered an unattached garage while a homeowner was warming up a white Acura RDX. Police said a brief confrontation occurred before Griffin allegedly started driving the vehicle and fled the area.
Police said witnesses later reported seeing Griffin jump from the moving SUV near an apartment complex in the 1200 block of East Erie Avenue. The vehicle, which remained in drive, struck a dumpster and rolled down a rocky embankment before coming to rest near the water’s edge along the lakeshore.
Officers located Griffin nearby shortly after the crash. Police said he complained of chest tightness or shortness of breath and was taken to Mercy Health for medical evaluation before being transported to the Lorain County Jail.
Jail records show Griffin was booked on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 3:17 p.m. and is currently being held at the Lorain County Jail.
• Theft – pick pocket
• Breaking and entering
• Operation of a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety
Court records list an initial court appearance scheduled for January 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Lorain Municipal Court.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lorain Police Department.