Pedestrian fatally struck in Elyria; investigation ongoing

ELYRIA — A woman was struck and killed by an SUV on Saturday evening on West River Road South. According to a news release from Elyria police, officers were called for reports of a woman lying in the snow near the tree lawn near the 6700 block about 7:30 p.m. Police, Elyria fire and LifeCare responded. The woman, who has not been identified by police, was pronounced dead at the scene by Lorain County Coroner Dr. Frank Miller. Investigators found a nearby residential surveillance camera and video showed the woman being struck by a maroon Ford Escape. The vehicle was traced to Lorain and was impounded. Police said a man, who has also not been identified, said he'd been driving the vehicle and thought he'd hit a deer. No charges have been filed, but police said they are anticipated. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors, police said. No further information or details were available as of 6 p.m. Sunday. Elyria Police Chief James Welsh said that the investigation was ongoing. "The Elyria Police Detective Bureau will review all aspects of the investigation and evaluate the available evidence," Welsh said in a statement. "Once that process is complete, the Elyria Police Department will submit its findings to the Prosecutor's Office or a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to file charges. We will keep our media partners at The Chronicle-Telegram informed of any significant developments in the case when it is appropriate to do so."