Westlake Manhunt Leads to Schools Lockout

Westlake Schools were placed on lockout last Friday as Westlake Police conducted a manhunt for an alleged shoplifter from the Crocker Park area.

A lockout prohibits anyone from entering a school. The lockout was invoked to prevent the possibility of a suspect entering a school.

Here is the report from Westlake Police:

“On 9/27/24 at about 12:20PM, WPD received a call from Nordstrom Rack.  Loss prevention indicated that a female in the store was hiding numerous bottles of perfume and was expected to leave without paying. 

“The loss prevention officer watched as the female walked out with approx. 45 bottles on her person and in stolen bags. 

“Officers located the described get away vehicle and attempted to stop it on Detroit Rd.  The vehicle did not yield and was pursued E/B on Detroit and S/B on Bassett.  The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns in the area of Hilliard. 

“The vehicle was soon discovered abandoned in a driveway of a residence on Bassett.  A perimeter of officers from Westlake and North Olmsted as well as drones were used to search the area while nearby schools were placed in a lockout.  This was done to prevent any unauthorized persons from entering a school while officers searched the area. 

“The perpetrator of the theft was discovered hiding on Carousel Court approx. 40 minutes later.  The shoplifter was determined to be the driver of the suspect vehicle as well.  The biological male, a 40yo from Toledo, was transported to the Westlake Jail without further incident.  An accomplice was not found.  Felony theft and fleeing charges are expected.”