Henry Cobb Obituary, Death – A violent crime spree in Lorain last week ended in a fiery car crash that killed the suspect and injured four others, according to police reports. The series of events began with a carjacking attempt and escalated to a violent robbery, culminating in a high-speed crash that took the suspect’s life.
The suspect, 41-year-old Henry Cobb of Lorain, allegedly began his crime spree on Wednesday, February 12, at a Valero gas station on Oberlin Avenue. Around 10 p.m., a woman was pumping gas while her 12-year-old daughter sat in the car. Cobb reportedly attempted to force his way into the driver’s seat. The woman fought back and screamed for help, attracting the attention of bystanders. Cobb fled the scene when others intervened.
Just moments later, Cobb was linked to a second crime at a nearby Raceway gas station, directly across the street from the Valero station. There, he allegedly took a woman’s keys by force and drove off in her SUV. According to police, the woman was sitting alone in her car when Cobb approached, telling her she had a flat tire and attempting to lure her out of the vehicle. When she refused, Cobb punched the window, shattering it. The woman tried to flee into the gas station but lost her balance and fell inside. Cobb threatened to beat her unless she handed over the keys, which she did. Fortunately, the woman was not injured in the incident.
The crime spree continued with a third robbery at a 7-Eleven gas station several blocks away on Leavitt Road. A clerk at the store reported that Cobb entered behind the counter, armed with a gun, and demanded money from the cash register. After taking the money, Cobb fled in the stolen SUV, continuing his escape.
Soon after, Lorain police officers spotted the SUV speeding east on Meister Road at a high rate of speed. In a dramatic turn, Cobb crashed the stolen vehicle into two other cars at the Oberlin Avenue intersection. The collision resulted in injuries to four individuals, with two of them requiring hospitalization.
At the scene of the crash, officers assisted the victims and managed to pull Cobb from the burning SUV. Despite their efforts, Cobb was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the crash and the fire. The crash caused significant damage, and the intense flames led to the total destruction of the vehicle.
Following the incident, an investigation was launched, with crash reconstructionists working to collect evidence from the multiple crime scenes. Authorities are still piecing together the exact sequence of events and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Lorain police have urged individuals who may have witnessed any part of the crime spree or the crash to contact investigators at 440-204-2105.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the full scope of Cobb’s actions leading up to the crash and identify any additional witnesses or possible accomplices.