19-year-old arrested after string of vehicle thefts in Elyria

ELYRIA, Ohio — A man has been taken into custody in Elyria following a string of vehicle thefts that occurred over the last 72 hours. 

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Elyria Police Department officials say that on Thursday they arrested 19-year-old Tahjay Ali Howard-Ayers at 96 Riverside Homes in Elyria at around 4:56 a.m. Howard-Ayers was arrested based on the following charges: 

• Theft 
• Resisting arrest 
• Possession of controlled substance 
• Vandalism 

According to the Elyria Police Department, Howard-Ayers was a suspect after allegedly stealing multiple vehicles over the past three days. Officials claimed that the suspect also had possession of keys from a reported stolen vehicle that was located near the location in which he was arrested. 

At this time, the Elyria Police Department is continuing to investigate these incidents.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Jim Wise at (440) 326-1212 or wise@cityofelyria.org. Additionally, anonymous tips can be provided by texting TIPELYRIA and your tip to 847411.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Jan. 26, 2023. 

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