Suspects Charged in Elyria for $11K Powersports Store Burglary, Snow Tracks Lead to Arrest

ELYRIA, Ohio — Two 21-year-old men are facing grand theft and vandalism charges after a winter break-in at a local powersports dealership. The suspects' escape attempt was foiled by fresh snowfall, which left a perfect set of footprints for officers to follow straight to their location.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Johnny K's Powersports, located at 3000 Midway Mall in Elyria. At approximately 4:16 a.m., Elyria police officers responded to an active commercial alarm at the property. Upon arrival, they discovered that the glass on the building's east entrance had been completely shattered.

Footprints and Dirt Bikes in the Snow

A quick walkthrough of the showroom revealed that two dirt bikes, with a combined value exceeding $11,000, had been stolen. However, the suspects did not get far. Heavy snowfall during the night provided responding officers with immediate evidence, as a clear set of footprints and tire tracks led away from the broken door.

Officers followed the tracks into a nearby wooded area, where they recovered the two stolen dirt bikes, which the suspects had abandoned after struggling to maneuver them through the deep snow. The footprints continued past the bikes, crossing a small creek and leading officers directly to an apartment building in the 1400 block of West River Road North.

Caught in the Act

Upon entering the building, officers located the suspects, identified as Jean Vazquez-Irlanda and Alan Rodriguez-Feliciano, hiding beneath a staircase. Both men were wearing dark clothing and ski masks. Rodriguez-Feliciano subsequently admitted to the break-in under questioning.

Both men have been booked into the Lorain County Jail and charged with felony theft, breaking and entering, and vandalism. They also face misdemeanor charges of obstructing official business. The stolen dirt bikes have been returned to Johnny K's Powersports.