Elyria – Multiple arrests followed a traffic stop and brief foot pursuit early Dec. 27 near the Quality Inn on Leona Street, according to Elyria Police reports.
Police said the incident began around 1:35 a.m. when an officer on patrol near State Route 57 and Interstate 80 observed a vehicle that had previously been associated with an Elyria Police investigation. The driver was identified as Jeffrey Saltis.
While following the vehicle, police observed it fail to activate a proper turn signal while turning westbound onto Midway Boulevard from SR 57, prompting an attempted traffic stop.
Instead of stopping, the vehicle pulled into the Quality Inn parking lot at 739 Leona Street, drove behind the hotel and abruptly parked. Police activated emergency lights as the vehicle came to a stop.
According to the report, multiple occupants immediately exited the vehicle and fled. Saltis ran westbound on foot, while Andrea Rinas and Monte Williams ran in the opposite direction and entered the hotel in an apparent attempt to evade police. Officers issued commands to stop, which were ignored.
Saltis was taken into custody outside the hotel as additional officers responded to the scene. Police then reviewed dash camera footage and hotel security video, which confirmed Rinas and Williams had entered the building. Officers located both individuals inside the hotel shortly afterward.
A records check revealed Rinas had four active contempt of court warrants through the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. Williams admitted to being in the vehicle and was identified during the course of the investigation.
A separate LEADS inquiry showed that Teun Bush, who had been seated in the front of the vehicle, also had an active warrant issued through the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. Bush was located and arrested.
All four individuals were transported to the Lorain County Jail, where they were held pending initial court appearances. Police reports indicate the incident involved multiple responding officers, a brief foot pursuit and the use of surveillance video to confirm suspect movements. No injuries were reported.
Saltis faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance, failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, obstructing official business, driving under suspension, reckless operation and improper display of plates.
Rinas was charged with obstructing official business and four counts of contempt of court related to active warrants. Williams was charged with obstructing official business. Bush was arrested on an active warrant.
All four cases are expected to proceed through Elyria Municipal Court, with arraignments or further hearings scheduled according to court records.