LORAIN, OH — Authorities have identified the man at the center of this morning’s incident at the Dollar General on West Erie Avenue as Donte Griffin, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
The initial response began just before 9 a.m. on May 29, when Lorain police were called to the store following reports of a man with a weapon threatening at least one individual inside. Officers quickly established a perimeter, closed a portion of West Erie Avenue, and deployed tactical units to the area. The suspect, however, fled the scene before officers could make contact.
According to a public release issued by the Lorain Police Department later in the day, Griffin is wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, including two for Felonious Assault—one issued by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and another by the Elyria Police Department. He is also facing new charges in connection to Wednesday’s events and a separate recent case. These charges include Assault, Robbery, Unlawful Restraint, and Disrupting Public Service.
Police have urged the public not to approach Griffin if spotted, emphasizing that he is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lorain Police Department at 440-204-2100 or dial 9-1-1.
During the response, a large number of police vehicles, detectives, and emergency crews staged near the store, but no injuries or arrests were reported on scene. The store was temporarily closed, and a Dollar General regional manager was later seen entering the building. Employees on-site declined to speak to media and directed questions to corporate offices.