A devastating incident occurred on the evening of January 24 in Lorain, leading to the untimely death of a 22-year-old man. Sandalio Rodriguez, a resident of 29th Street, tragically lost his life when his dirt bike collided with an unoccupied and unmarked police vehicle on the city’s south side. The Lorain Police Department released a statement regarding this unfortunate accident.

High-Speed Collision

The collision occurred when Rodriguez was riding his dirt bike at an alarming rate of speed. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. The Lorain Police Department’s Traffic Division estimated that the dirt bike was traveling between 70 to 73 mph before the impact.

A Police Operation Leading to the Incident

On the evening of the accident, officers from the Lorain Police Department’s Patrol Impact Team “PIT” were engaged in a mission to locate a missing delinquent juvenile. The teenager had felony warrants for his arrest, including charges of receiving stolen property and discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premises.

After diligent efforts, the officers successfully located the teenager at a residence situated in the 2300 block of Homewood Drive. The officers discovered that the teenager had “cautions” associated with his name due to recent social media posts displaying him brandishing firearms in a motor vehicle.

Arrests and the Discovery of Firearms

As the officers surrounded the residence, they spotted three males, including the wanted teen, inside the living room. Upon noticing the presence of the officers, the individuals started scattering inside the residence.

Officers also witnessed the teenager holding what appeared to be a firearm. Additional police units promptly arrived at the scene, and the individuals inside the residence were ordered to exit one by one and were subsequently handcuffed.

During the search of the premises, the officers discovered a Glock 23 pistol concealed in the basement furnace. Additionally, two replica BB guns resembling Glocks were found in separate bedrooms.

Consequently, the teenager and two other men were taken into custody on outstanding warrants. The teenager, a resident of East 29th Street, was arrested on two felony warrants. Anthony Chillon, a 21-year-old residing on Homewood Drive, was arrested on a felony warrant as well as four bench warrants. James Smith, a 40-year-old from Oakwood Avenue in Sheffield Lake, was apprehended on a bench warrant.

The Tragic Collision

Meanwhile, as the officers were confirming the multiple warrants, they heard a dirt bike roaring in the vicinity. They also heard a male voice yelling and taunting them. Shortly after, a male riding a dirt bike, later identified as Sandalio Rodriguez, approached at an incredibly high speed from the west of Grove Avenue.

Rodriguez recklessly drove through the scene, where nine police units had their emergency lights activated, narrowly missing several officers standing near the cruisers. Unfortunately, Rodriguez’s bike collided with one of the cruisers, causing him to be forcefully ejected onto the street.

Efforts to Save Rodriguez

Officers swiftly rushed to provide medical aid to Rodriguez, and emergency medical services were immediately called. Despite their best efforts, Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries. The Lorain County coroner was summoned to the scene to examine the body.

Tragically, Rodriguez was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and it is suspected that alcohol may have played a role in the accident. The investigation is ongoing, and the Lorain Police Department’s Traffic Division is leading the efforts to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.

A Plea for Information

The Lorain Police Department’s Traffic Division urges anyone with any information related to this tragic incident to come forward. If you have any details that could assist with the investigation, please contact the Traffic Division at 440-204-2105.

The Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Once the investigation is completed, all relevant findings will be presented to the Lorain City Prosecutor’s Office for further legal action. It is crucial to thoroughly examine every aspect of the incident to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

An Unfortunate Start to the Year

This tragic accident marks the first traffic-related fatality of the year for the Lorain Police Department. The loss of Sandalio Rodriguez serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving.