Elyria, OH – Three people were arrested on felony drug charges Thursday after the Elyria Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment on Hodge Court. The raid led to the discovery of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines, Xanax, drug paraphernalia, and cash, according to police.
The Incident: Apartment Raid Leads to Multiple Arrests
The arrests occurred after police conducted a search warrant at an apartment in the 100 block of Hodge Court as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Officers identified the suspects as Tyrell Hicks, Carla Polk, both from Elyria, and Lauren Wood of Vermilion.
According to an official release, officers discovered a variety of illegal drugs and paraphernalia, including suspected fentanyl and heroin, as well as other controlled substances. The department did not specify the exact quantities of the substances or the amount of cash seized during the operation.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
The Elyria Police Department Narcotics Unit conducted the operation after receiving intelligence about drug trafficking activity linked to the apartment complex. When officers entered the residence, they located the three suspects and detained them without incident.
Evidence gathered at the scene included multiple types of narcotics, bulk quantities of Schedule I and II substances, and cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
The apartment’s proximity to a school zone also contributed to enhanced penalties for one of the defendants.
Charges Filed Against the Suspects
Tyrell Hicks, 32, faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Aggravated trafficking of heroin with a school zone specification
- Possession of heroin
- Possession of Schedule I or II drugs in a bulk amount
- Two counts of drug trafficking
Lauren Wood, 23, of Vermilion, was charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I or II drugs in a bulk amount
- Possession of fentanyl
She is being held in the Lorain County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Carla Polk, 32, of Elyria, was charged with:
- Felony possession of fentanyl
- Permitting drug abuse, a misdemeanor
All three suspects remain in custody at the Lorain County Jail.
Court Proceedings and Active Warrants
According to court records, both Hicks and Polk have not yet had bail set and are expected to appear for their arraignments today. Meanwhile, Wood remains incarcerated pending further court hearings.
Police also confirmed that all three suspects had active warrants with other law enforcement agencies prior to Thursday’s arrests.
The Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case to determine if additional charges will be filed once lab testing confirms the nature and quantity of the substances seized.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities said the operation was part of a broader effort to disrupt drug distribution networks within Elyria neighborhoods. Law enforcement agencies in Lorain County have been increasing joint task force efforts targeting fentanyl and heroin trafficking, both of which have been linked to a rise in local overdoses.
Residents near Hodge Court commended the police for the swift action, noting that the area has faced recurring drug activity and safety concerns in recent months.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said further arrests may be possible as they trace the source of the drugs found in the apartment.
Conclusion
The Elyria drug bust marks another major step in local authorities’ fight against illegal narcotics in Lorain County. With three suspects in custody and additional evidence pending review, prosecutors hope the arrests will send a message about zero tolerance for trafficking operations near residential and school zones.
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