License plate readers aid arrest
LORAIN — A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a 67-year-old man was found fatally shot inside his Lorain home Saturday morning, according to the Lorain Police Department.
Officers responded at about 8 a.m. to a residence in the 2700 block of G Street after a family member found Robert Lewis dead in his bed. Police said Lewis had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators learned that a 16-year-old male family member had stayed with Lewis overnight while the juvenile’s parents were away. A witness reported seeing the boy drive away from the residence in Lewis’ vehicle during the early morning hours, police said.
Members of the department’s Telecommunications Division used Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras to track the vehicle’s movements and narrow down the juvenile’s location.
Police acknowledged that license plate reader technology has been the subject of public debate but said the case demonstrated its operational value. The department said the camera network and its real-time alerts helped officers locate the vehicle and juvenile in North Olmsted within about 30 minutes of discovering the homicide.
North Olmsted police officers took the juvenile into custody. Police said the quick response helped prevent the possibility of further harm to the community.
Investigators said there was no indication that an argument or altercation occurred before the shooting. A firearm believed to have been used in the homicide was recovered from Lewis’ residence.
The juvenile was formally charged with murder and taken to the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Center, where he remained pending court proceedings. His name was not released.
Lorain police thanked the North Olmsted Police Department, other regional agencies and technology partners for assisting with the apprehension.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lorain Police Criminal Investigations Bureau at 440-204-2105.
