ELYRIA, Ohio — Two Elyria men were arrested early Thursday morning after police tracked their footprints through freshly fallen snow following a break-in at Johnny K’s Powersports, authorities said.
According to Elyria police, officers responded at approximately 4:16 a.m. to multiple alarm activations at Johnny K’s Powersports, located at 3000 Midway Mall. Upon arrival, officers discovered the glass door at the east entrance had been shattered. A store representative later confirmed that two dirt bikes, valued at approximately $11,000, were missing.
Police said heavy snowfall overnight aided the investigation, as clear footprints were visible leading away from the store. Officers followed the tracks to a nearby wooded area, where the stolen dirt bikes were found abandoned and later returned to the business.
The footprints continued across a small stream and ultimately led officers to an apartment building in the 1400 block of West River Road North, more than half a mile from the store. Inside the building, police located Jean Vazquez-Irlanda and Alan Rodriguez-Feliciano, both 21, hiding beneath a staircase while wearing dark clothing and ski masks.
Authorities said Rodriguez-Feliciano later admitted that the pair broke into the business by smashing the glass door.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with identical offenses, including two counts of felony theft, breaking and entering, vandalism, and misdemeanor obstructing official business.
The men remain in the Lorain County Jail, with initial court appearances scheduled for Thursday.
