ELYRIA — Elyria police arrested a man late Saturday morning following a vehicle pursuit that ended along State Route 57 and led to the recovery of suspected narcotics, according to the department.
The incident occurred on December 27, 2025, beginning shortly before 11 a.m. An Elyria police officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a dark blue Volkswagen traveling northbound near the 600 block of North West River Road. Police said the driver initially pulled into a driveway before driving through a yard and fleeing southbound, nearly striking a marked police cruiser with its emergency lights activated.
The suspect vehicle continued through a nearby parking lot and accelerated westbound on Lake Avenue at a high rate of speed, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. While turning northbound onto Lorain Road, police said the driver lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, struck a city-owned sign, and continued driving.
The vehicle later traveled eastbound on State Route 57, where it began smoking and came to a stop east of Lorain Boulevard. The driver exited the vehicle and was taken into custody following a felony stop. Police reported the arrest occurred without further incident.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located multiple baggies containing suspected fentanyl, suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana, a digital scale, multiple cellular phones and a quantity of U.S. currency. Police said all suspected narcotics presumptively field tested positive.
The suspect was identified as Nicholaus Shores. According to police, Shores was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with officers, stating he fled because he had outstanding warrants. An Ohio Traffic Crash Report was completed for damage to property resulting from the pursuit.
Jail records show Shores was booked into the Lorain County Jail later that evening and is being held without bond pending his initial court appearance.
Shores faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking involving fentanyl, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, failure to comply, obstructing official business, two counts of contempt of court, driving under suspension, failure to control, reckless operation and a traffic control violation. Charges are subject to review by the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Elyria Police Department said additional details may be released as the case proceeds.