Two Arrested in Elyria Home with Drugs, Guns, and Children

Authorities seized heroin, meth, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana from the residence.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Two people were arrested in Elyria, Ohio after police and U.S. Marshals executing a warrant discovered firearms, a large quantity of illegal drugs, and two minor children in the home. Dominic Strader and Makayla Myers were taken into custody, with Strader facing multiple felony charges including drug trafficking and weapons violations due to his criminal history.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing the opioid crisis and illegal gun possession, especially when children are present in homes with dangerous drugs and firearms. It also demonstrates the importance of coordination between local and federal law enforcement to remove illegal weapons and narcotics from communities.

The details

Police said they seized two rifles, one of which was reported stolen, along with about 30.1 grams of heroin, 11.4 grams of meth, 10 grams of cocaine, 376 fentanyl pills, and around two pounds of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia, packaging materials, and cash were also recovered. Strader is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior violent offense convictions. Myers, the home's tenant, was charged with permitting drug abuse and endangering children.

  • On February 13, 2026, U.S. Marshals arrested Dominic Strader on an outstanding warrant.
  • During the arrest, officers observed firearms and marijuana in plain view, prompting a search warrant.
  • The search warrant was executed later that day, leading to the seizure of the drugs and additional charges.

The players

Dominic Strader

A man arrested on an outstanding warrant who was found to be in possession of firearms, drugs, and drug paraphernalia despite being prohibited from owning firearms due to prior violent offense convictions.

Makayla Myers

The listed tenant of the residence where the drugs and guns were found, who was charged with permitting drug abuse and endangering children due to the presence of the illegal items and two minor children in the home.

Elyria Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that worked with federal authorities to execute the warrant and make the arrests.

U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force

The federal law enforcement task force that initially arrested Dominic Strader on an outstanding warrant, leading to the discovery of the drugs and guns.

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What they’re saying

“'This case is a strong example of how coordinated enforcement efforts and information-sharing directly contribute to removing illegal firearms, dangerous fugitives and narcotics from our neighborhoods.'”

— Bill Lantz, Elyria Police Captain (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The case remains under investigation, and the judge will determine whether Dominic Strader will be allowed out on bail given his criminal history and the nature of the charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing the opioid crisis and illegal gun possession, especially when children are present in homes with dangerous drugs and firearms. It demonstrates the importance of coordination between local and federal law enforcement to remove these threats from communities.