The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
It was a busy month for Westlake Police, with calls coming from a concerned shopper who spotted children locked in a hot car and a vehicle rollover at Columbia and Detroit.
Kids Locked in Hot Car
On 8/21/21 a concerned shopper called WPD to report that she saw a baby and a toddler all alone inside a parked vehicle in the lot at Savannah Commons. She also told the dispatcher that they had been crying inside the car for over 10 minutes. Officers responded immediately and noted that the exterior air temperature was around 85 degrees at that time. Upon arrival, they found a female loading groceries into the described vehicle. At first the person denied leaving the 3 month old and 3 year old in the hot car. She then said that she had left them for “only” 10 minutes. Officers noted that the kids were still crying and were sweating profusely. A rescue squad was requested to check on their welfare. Both children were transported to the hospital to assure they were OK. Officers helped the suspect load the rest of her groceries so she could follow the squad to the emergency department. Nearby surveillance revealed that the children were left in the vehicle for about 30 minutes in total. The mom was charged with 2 counts of child endangering and child services was contacted to attempt to get resources and education to the family.
Vehicle Rollover
On 8/20/21 at about 2:15PM, Westlake Police and Fire responded to a report of a vehicle crash on Columbia at Detroit Rds. One vehicle was flipped over with possible entrapment of the occupant. Westlake Fire assessed the injuries of those involved while officers investigated the crash and worked to get the intersection reopened. One male was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Drugs, Weapons & More
On 8/21/21 at approx. 7:30PM an officer stopped a vehicle in Crocker Park at Market and Main Sts for a license violation. The officer noticed indicators of drug use in the vehicle and investigated further. Officers located 2 loaded guns in the vehicle. One of them was reported as stolen in an Ashtabula County Burglary. Suspected marijuana and narcotic pills were also recovered. A 30yo male from Cleveland was charged with misdemeanor drug possession after he was found with psychedelic mushrooms. A 34yo Cleveland female was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and improper handling of a firearm. A 28yo Cleveland resident was charged with Receiving Stolen Property (gun) along with carrying a concealed weapon and improper handling of a firearm.
Firearm in Car 
On 8/20/21 at approx. 6:30PM an officer stopped a vehicle leaving Crocker Park after it made traffic violations. The driver had a suspended license. Investigation revealed that there was also a firearm hidden in the vehicle. The gun had been reported as stolen during an assault in Warrensville Hts. The driver, a 28yo male from Youngstown, was cited with driving under suspension and traffic violations. The passenger, a 24yo Westlake resident, was arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property. Charges of improper handling a firearm in a vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon will be presented to the county Grand Jury. The vehicle was impounded and towed from the scene.
Stranger in Living Room!
On 8/25/21 at approx. 12:00PM a resident of Bradley Rd came home to find an unknown male standing in his living room. The resident yelled at the man who left and eventually fled the area in a vehicle driven by another suspect. Using surveillance cameras in the area, officers were able to track down the suspect vehicle and eventually the get away driver. The 53yo Cleveland resident was arrested on warrants for felony complicity to residential burglary. Investigation revealed that the male who actually unlawfully entered the Westlake residence was a 58yo Cleveland resident. Warrants for felony burglary were obtained. Investigators are attempting to link the duo to burglaries in neighboring cities as well.
