ELYRIA, Ohio — Elyria police have provided an explanation for increased helicopter activity residents observed over parts of the city Friday, saying the aircraft was assisting with a coordinated public safety operation.

The Elyria Police Department partnered with the Ohio State Highway Patrol on Friday, Aug. 14, for an operation focused on reducing violent crime and improving roadway safety, according to Police Chief James Welsh.

As part of the operation, the State Highway Patrol provided aerial support to officers and troopers working on the ground.

Police said the helicopter activity seen over parts of Elyria was not directed at a specific resident, neighborhood or individual.

The department acknowledged that seeing a law enforcement helicopter repeatedly flying in an area could raise questions among residents.

According to Welsh, the aerial support is one of several resources being used to help officers prevent and address criminal activity while improving safety for officers and the public.

The chief also said Elyria police are working with local, state and federal partners as part of efforts to proactively address violent crime in the city.

Some details surrounding the operation have not been released.

Welsh said the department is committed to transparency but noted that certain operational details cannot be made public while law enforcement activities remain ongoing.

The department did not announce arrests, citations or other enforcement results from Friday’s operation in its statement.

Welsh thanked the Ohio State Highway Patrol for its partnership and Elyria police officers for their work in the city.

UPDATE: We’ve received information indicating the helicopter pictured may have been conducting power-line inspection work and may not be the law enforcement aircraft referenced by Elyria Police.

Elyria Police have separately confirmed that law enforcement helicopters were operating over parts of the city as part of a coordinated public safety operation with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

We’ve updated the story to clarify the distinction.