A police chase that began in Elyria Friday night ended with an arrest in Lorain after officers attempted to stop a driver wanted on an outstanding warrant, according to Elyria Police.
The incident occurred on January 24, 2026, at approximately 9:22 p.m., when an officer with the Elyria Police Department attempted to initiate a traffic stop near State Route 57 and Griswold Road in Elyria. Police said the driver was identified as Frank J. Klanac, who was wanted on an active theft warrant issued by Elyria Police.
According to Capt. Bill Lantz, the officer activated emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Klanac initially stopped at a red light while entering I-90 westbound, but once the signal turned green, the driver failed to yield and continued westbound onto SR 2/I-90. Capt. Lantz said the vehicle maintained posted speed limits and obeyed traffic signals but did not comply with police commands to stop.
Capt. Lantz said the failure to comply continued for several miles as officers coordinated efforts to safely bring the situation to an end. The pursuit concluded in the area of 1211 Tower Boulevard in Lorain, where officers deployed a tire deflation device, causing the vehicle to come to a stop.
After the vehicle stopped, Capt. Lantz said Klanac exited but failed to comply with verbal commands. He was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.
During the arrest, officers recovered suspected drug paraphernalia, including two crack pipes, and seized substances believed to be fentanyl and crack cocaine, according to Capt. Lantz. Field tests returned positive results for both substances. The exact quantities of the substances recovered were not released.
Capt. Lantz said Klanac was advised of his rights and declined to provide a statement.
Jail records show Klanac, 53, of Amherst, was booked into the Lorain County Jail at 1:11 a.m. on January 25, 2026, following the arrest by Elyria Police. He is listed as a new arrest and classified as maximum security.
The following charges were filed in connection with the incident:
• Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer / Fleeing
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (two counts)
• Obstructing Official Business
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Theft (related to the Elyria Police Department warrant)
Court records show an initial court appearance scheduled for January 26, 2026, at 9 a.m. Bond was set at $250, according to jail records.
It is not known at this time whether additional charges will be filed, whether Klanac has retained legal counsel, or how he will enter a plea. The case remains under investigation.