The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
An 82 year old resident reported to Westlake Police last week that she had received a call from a female purporting to be her granddaughter.
The caller explained to the grandmother that she had been involved in a traffic accident in Harrisburg, PA and was arrested for driving under the influence. She lied further and indicated that she sounded different because she had broken her nose in the accident.
Consistent with scam strategy she needed, of course,bond money to get out of jail and pay her attorney.
Unfortunately, the elderly Westlake resident transferred $2465 via a wire service.
Investigators are following up to try to determine who picked up the money and exactly where.
**Officer note: Please speak with your older relatives about these scams which pop up from time to time. The unscrupulous call the elderly with a story that scares the victim into thinking that a loved one needs financial help. They tell the victim that they should not tell other relatives about the incident or they would be in more trouble. Always check with a trusted person before sending funds or buying gift cards to read to someone over the phone. Most times these are criminal scams.**
Meth Found at Westlake Motel
An alert Westlake Police officer checked on suspicious persons at a Westlake hotel on Sperry Dr. on 1/14. After speaking with the males, investigation revealed that one of the males, a 39yoa from Cleveland Hts had a “significant” amount of Methamphetamine in his vehicle. The other male, a 48yo from Avon, was in possession of drug paraphernalia including glass pipes, cut straws, and rolled up pieces of paper with drug residue. Both men were arrested and transported to jail.
Taken, Not Loaned
On 1/12/18, a male called Westlake PD to report that his adult son had taken his 2003 Toyota Camry without his permission. Officers took a report for the stolen car and began looking for it. The son, a 29yo Westlake resident, later called a family member and told them that he had abandoned the vehicle at a gas station in Westlake. The vehicle was recovered by the family members. Warrants were obtained for the adult son who was arrested later in the day at another Westlake home without incident.
Wandering Toddler
On 1/15, a male on Donna Dr in Westlake called police to report that an approx.. 4yo child had walked up to him and he did not know who it was. Officers responded and soon located a female next door who was walking back out to a vehicle in the driveway. The 29yo female from Columbia Station, realized that her daughter, who had been left sleeping in the vehicle, had wandered from the car. The mother and daughter were reunited and the case was given to the Westlake Prosecutor’s office to determine charges. Children’s Services was contacted.
