REF:Wilkes Villa Fire - EPD Comp. 99-7127
DATE: March 17, 1999

On March 17, 1999, Elyria Police Department received a complaint of an explosion and fire in the Wilkes Villa Housing Complex. The fire was reported to be in the area of Hodge Court and centered around 114 Hodge Court. The call came in at 3:41 AM and officers were on the scene at 3:42 AM.

The responding officers found the multi-unit family dwelling engulfed in flames. Units from Elyria Fire Department also responded to fight the fire and an investigation was begun. Tentative information indicates that three persons were injured as a result of the explosion and resulting fire. The three subjects are tentatively identified as Warren Gilliam (38), Dorothy Smith (age unknown) and Isaac Salaam (27). They were transported to EMH Regional Medical Center and later lifeflighted to Metro General Hospital.

It is believed that Gilliam and Smith were inside the residence at 114 Hodge Court when the explosion occurred. Further it is believed that Isaac Salaam was in the adjacent residence at 116 Hodge Court.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the center of the explosion and resulting fire was the residence at 114 Hodge Court which then spread to adjoining attached residences.

The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation by officers of the Elyria Police Department and investigators from the Elyria Fire Department.

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