Wanted Elyria Man Arrested for 3rd OVI After Traffic Stop in Westlake With 2-Year-Old in Car

WESTLAKE, Ohio (WOIO) – Westlake police said a traffic stop involving a wanted Elyria man ended with his third arrest for OVI and child endangerment charges.

According to Westlake police, officers stopped the 33-year-old driver around 3 a.m. June 28 on I-90, just before Lorain County.

Officers said traffic violations and license plate violations triggered the stop.

When officers approached the vehicle, they said they discovered a 2-year-old child in the back seat and an open container of Long Island Iced Tea on the floor.

A subsequent search of the car also revealed folded paper and a $5 bill containing suspected cocaine, officers said.

Westlake police said the driver admitted he didn’t have a license and they also learned he was wanted by multiple police departments, including their own.

Officers arrested the driver on suspicion of OVI and took him to Westlake Jail, where they say he refused a chemical test.

He is also accused of refusing a chemical test after a prior conviction for OVI, child endangerment, driving while suspended and speeding.

Officers said the passenger, a woman, was allowed to return home with the 2-year-old child, although she will also face child endangerment charges.

Criminal drug charges related to the alleged cocaine are possible, police said.