WEST SHORE BLUES: The Best of the Beats

Two Arrested in Westlake Gun Store Break-in

Weapon found in 26-year old’s bed

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at approx. 12:09AM, a suspect used a hammer to break a glass window of a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Westlake. Once the suspect forced entry into Westlake Classic Firearms, the man stole several firearms from display cases before fleeing the scene. Westlake PD was notified of the break in the next day when a local business owner noticed a ladder leaning up against the building with broken glass strewn underneath. WPD officers and detectives investigated the scene and collected evidence including a hammer left behind by the suspect. The ATF was notified due to the business being a FFL. While surveillance video showed the suspect was only inside the business for a little over one minute, he was able to make off with 10 handguns and two rifles.

Within 2 weeks, WPD detectives were able to learn that DNA, obtained from the hammer left at the scene, contained the profile of a 16yo Cleveland male who had prior convictions for fleeing from police, receiving stolen property, breaking and entering and attempted grand theft. Warrants were prepared for his arrest and the search of a residence in Cleveland where the suspect lived with his mother. On 9/30/25 WPD, ATF and WEB Swat executed the warrant. The 16yo was taken into custody. 6 firearms were recovered from inside the residence including 5 of the guns taken from the Westlake gun business. That juvenile is still in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile lockup.

Analysis of the juvenile’s statements to police as well as search warrants for electronics led WPD detectives to a 20yo Cleveland man who acted as the get away driver for the 16yo. The 20yo accomplice was tracked to the city of Lorain after warrants were obtained for his arrest. WPD worked with our partners at Lorain PD who stopped the suspect in a vehicle on 11/8/25. The 20yo has been indicted by the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury on 14 felony charges including Grand Theft, Breaking and Entering and Theft of Firearms.

Investigators are still following up on evidence gained from the 20yo although no other persons are believed to be involved in this B+E of the gun shop. The remaining missing firearms are entered in police databases as being stolen.

Buzzered

On 10/31/25 at approx. 2:15AM, WPD received a call from a resident of an apartment building on Detroit Rd. The resident complained that a man was in the lobby of the building pressing all the apartment buzzers. The complainant believed that the man was intoxicated and was trying to get in contact with a woman in the building. Officers arrived to find that the subject had already entered a vehicle and was pulling out of the lot. The described vehicle was stopped. The driver did agree that he was there to see his girlfriend. He immediately appeared intoxicated to the investigating officers. He refused to exit the vehicle when ordered by the officers even after they told him he was under arrest for failure to comply. The officers had to drag the man from the driver’s seat. He was taken into custody and charged with OVI and failure to comply. He refused a breath test. Neither the 36yo Maple Hts man nor the officers involved reported any injuries.

Felony Warrant

On 11/1/25 at about 3:15AM, officers stopped a vehicle on Clague Rd at I90 for a license plate violation. The female driver and registered owner of the car had an entered felony warrant out of Lorain PD for Assault with a weapon. Lorain PD confirmed that the warrant was still active so the 21yo Lorain resident was arrested and turned over to Lorain PD.

Shoplifter Wanted

On 11/2/25 at about 3:45PM, a store on Detroit Rd called to report a shoplifter who had already left without paying for approx. $100 in merchandise. Upon reviewing the store footage, a male and female were seen “Shopping” in the toy store with a male child in tow. The adult man left with the merchandise but without paying. The woman and child followed soon after. Investigators are following up with additional surveillance footage and Westlake License Plate readers in an attempt to develop a lead.

Unfit to Drive

On 11/3/25 at approx. 7:30PM, WPD received a call from a concerned citizen who reported talking to a man in a parking lot on Bassett Rd. According to the caller, the man sounded intoxicated and had entered a white Ford Ranger. The caller was concerned that the man was unfit to drive. Officers arrived and found the pickup before it left the parking lot. The driver did appear intoxicated and reports indicate he was lethargic. Officers ran the man through field sobriety tests. As the officers were speaking with him, the subject would simply stare off into space instead of answering pertinent questions. He was arrested for OVI. Investigation revealed that the 29yo Westlake man was also in possession of suspected psilocybin mushrooms. When asked if he had taken a mushroom that day, the driver said that even if he did, he would not remember. He added that he did not even know how he “got here right now.” The man was charged with OVI and possession of mushrooms. He had 1 prior OVI.

PIT Maneuver Takes Out Pick-up Truck

On 11/6/25 at approx. 1:10AM, WPD officers on patrol noticed a red Ford Ranger speeding on Center Ridge Rd. The small pickup was traveling at over 70 mph on the street which had posted speed limits of 35 mph. After the truck didn’t even slow down for a red light at Bradley Rd, the officers tried to stop the pickup due to the reckless and dangerous operation. The driver ignored the lights and sirens of the WPD cruiser and continued into North Ridgeville. WPD officers pursued the truck W/B on Center Ridge to Lear Nagle as it weaved over the lane lines and ignored stop signs. The truck fled N/B on Lear and then back E/B on Mills before reentering Westlake on E/B Center Ridge Rd. Looking for an opportunity to bring a dangerous vehicle pursuit to an end, WPD officers performed a PIT maneuver (pursuit intervention technique) as the Ford slowed down after turning S/B on Bradley. The intervention along with the driver’s reaction caused the Ford Ranger to roll over as it struck a parked and unoccupied work van in the parking lot of Wagners Event Center. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was therefore able to quickly flee from the upside down pickup. WPD officers engaged in a short foot pursuit before taking the man into custody. The 36yo Lorain resident was transported to the hospital in custody, was evaluated and released to the Westlake City Jail. The driver admitted he fled due to his expired plates as well as the amount of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl that was found in his possession. The narcotics, scales and “numerous” cut off straws and burnt tin foil were entered into evidence. The suspect was charged with Felony fleeing, felony possession of narcotics, speeding and OVI. Additional charges for drug trafficking will be presented for consideration of the county grand jury due to the amounts and individually prepared packaging of the recovered narcotics.

Car v Fire Hydrant

On 11/7/25 at approx. 5:30PM, officers responded to the report of a crash involving 1 vehicle which had struck a fire hydrant on Bradley Rd. The juvenile driver was transported to the hospital by Westlake Fire for treatment of injuries which were listed as minor. Investigation revealed that the boy had driven off the right side of the roadway before striking a roadside mailbox and a fire hydrant. The 16yo was cited with failure to control.

“Not Good With Numbers”

On 11/9/25 at about 11AM, officers stopped a vehicle on Crocker Rd at Hospice Way for moving violations. The driver said that he did not have his license with him. When asked for his social security number, the man said that he was “not good with numbers.” The driver identified himself as “James Bell,” but could not provide a date of birth. After the man changed his name two additional times the officers gave up trying to have him verbally identify himself. Investigation revealed an actual state ID in the vehicle with the man’s true identity. The 39yo Cleveland man had entered felony warrants from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department for a sex offense, felonious assault and having weapons under disability. The driver was arrested and charged with misidentification as well as driving under suspension and failure to signal.

Theft From Auto

On 11/9/25 at about 8PM, officers were dispatched to Bobby Ln. for a reported theft from auto. A VW that was parked in the parking lot had been entered. Expensive clothing as well as a change purse were missing. Unfortunately, the owners had forgotten to lock the vehicle. There were no leads on the perpetrator(s). A theft report was generated.

“Not Really Wasted”

On 11/12/25 at approx. 2AM, officers on patrol noticed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee weaving on I90 near Columbia Rd. The Jeep not only operated several times on and off the highway shoulder, it was also traveling well above the posted speed limit. They stopped the vehicle near Cahoon. The female operator appeared intoxicated but denied drinking that night. Reports note that the 30yo Lakewood resident had to brace herself against the car door to regain balance as she exited the vehicle. The driver was field tested and arrested for OVI. She refused to submit to a breath test after saying that she was “not really wasted.” Her license was immediately suspended for refusing the chemical test. Later, she was released to a sober ride.

Loaded Firearm Magazines

On 11/12/25 at about 9PM, an officer stopped a vehicle on I90 for driving without any illuminated tail lights. Loaded firearm magazines were seen in the passenger compartment while the officer was obtaining the driver’s license. The passenger admitted to having the gun in his pocket. Investigation revealed that the passenger, a 34yo man who listed a Toledo address, was disabled from possessing a firearm due to a prior violent conviction. The driver, a 31yo Toledo woman, was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance. The male was charged with improper handling a firearm as well as carrying a concealed weapon. Both were transported to the Westlake City Jail.

Walking on I-90

On 11/13/25 at approx. 11:30PM, a concerned citizen called WPD to report a disabled vehicle on I90 W/B just before Columbia Rd. The caller saw that a person was walking on the highway away from the car. Another caller reported almost striking a pedestrian as the man crossed the lanes of the highway. Officers located the man walking on I90 between Clague Rd and Detroit Rd. The 34yo male from Stow had a felony warrant out of Akron PD for dangerous drugs. The male was arrested and turned over to Akron officers. The disabled vehicle was towed from the highway.

Driving Under Suspension

On October 26, 2025 at 1:14 am, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Wolf/Lake Forest. A traffic stop was conducted, and the registered owner was suspended. The vehicle was towed. The 50-year-old Elyria resident was charged with driving under suspension and headlights required. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Domestic

On October 26, 2025 at 5:23 pm, BVPD received a 911 call for an active domestic near Forestview/E Oakland. BVPD units responded and located part of the domestic. BVPD received a call from the other half of the party advising they were on their way to the hospital in connection to injuries the juvenile sustained during the fight. Two juveniles were arrested and will be charged with Domestic Violence. The juveniles will be facing charges through Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

Under the Influence

On October 27, 2025 at 10:27 BVPD received a call for a possible intoxicated driver near Cahoon/Wolf. BVPD responded to the area and located the vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence. The driver submitted to standardized tests and subsequently arrested for OVI. The driver was brought back to BVPD jail to be booked and later released to a sober party. The 40-year-old Bay Village resident was charged with OVI. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Not Allowed to Drive

On October 28, 2025 at 8:30am, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Columbia/Wolf. The driver was showing multiple open suspensions and an active warrant out of Wayne County. The warrant was out of pick up range so the operator was not taken into custody, however the vehicle was towed. She was issued a citation for driving under suspension. The 24-year-old Oberlin resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Sleeping Child

On October 28 ,2025 at 10:39 am, BVPD received a 911 call stating there was a male carrying a small child who looks like they weren’t breathing. BVPD responded and located the male and child Lake/Glen Park. The father was carrying his child who was sleeping. He was advised of the complaint.

Driving Under Suspension

On October 28, 2025 at 2:33 pm, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Huntmere/Wolf. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. The driver had been issued a citation the previous day for driving under suspension. The passenger had a valid driver’s license and took over the driving from the stop. The 24-year-old Oberlin resident was issued a citation for driving under 12-point suspension. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Attempted Break-In

On October 29, 2025 at 5:34 am, a resident from the Osborn/Beach Ln area contacted BVPD advising someone attempted to break into their vehicle. The resident chased the individual through backyards north bound towards Wolf Rd. BVPD with the assistance of WLPD & RRPD responded to set a perimeter. Further information was received that the resident heard a car horn honking in the area when chasing the suspect. Later in the morning while officers were doing a neighbor canvas, officers located a second vehicle that had been entered. Police are investigating.

Vehicle into House

On October 30, 2025 at 4:39 pm, BVPD received a 911 call for a vehicle into a house on Bayfair Dr. BVPD and BVFD responded and located the vehicle. The female stated she accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake. BVPD observed an unopened alcoholic can on the front passenger seat. The female submitted to standardized testing and a portable breath test, which resulted in 0.00% BAC. The 41-year-old Bay Village resident was charged with failure to control. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Heavily Intoxicated

On October 30, 2025 at 7:56 pm, BVPD received a call from a resident on Juneway who stated she was viewing her ring camera and observed a male attempting to get into her home. Caller advised there were two other males carrying another male. BVPD responded and located a male laying outside in the rain. The male was identified as the husband of the caller. The heavily intoxicated male was transported to a local hospital by BVFD.

Halloween Horror

On October 31, 2025 at 19:37 BVPD received a call from a resident trick or treating, advising there was an individual in a “Scream” costume scaring her small children. The caller also advised sending police may scare her children more than the individual in the costume. Caller declined police response.

Screaming in the Background

On October 31, 2025 at 9:00 pm, BVPD received a 911 open line with screaming in the background. An approximate address on Cliff Dr was given. BVPD responded and located the domestic incident. The residents advised the male had left and was probably on the way back to his residence in Rocky River. RRPD responded to the suspect’s home where he was located. RRPD detained the male. BVPD responded to Rocky River and placed the male under arrest for Domestic Violence. The male was conveyed back to BVPD jail to be booked and held until Monday to see a judge. The 65-year old, Rocky River resident was charged with Domestic Violence. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Underage Drinking

On October 31, 2025 at 9:04 pm, a resident contacted BVPD to report they observed high school aged kids carry alcohol into a home on Lake Road near Bradley. The kids were wearing BHS & AHS shirts. BVPD responded and multiple juveniles began running from the home. BVPD requested mutual aid from Avon Lake PD. After an investigation, it was confirmed that two adults were hosting underage drinking party. Police are investigating.

Door Damage

On October 31, 2025 at 1:01 am, a resident on Knickerbocker near Fordham called BVPD advising a male just attempted to kick in her front door. The resident advised the male was wearing all black and ran towards Clague/Clague Pkwy. BVPD responded to the home and requested mutual aid from WLPD. Damage to the door was observed by BVPD units confirming what the resident reported. Evidence was collected from the scene. Police are investigating. If anyone has information regarding this incident or another similar incident, please contact the BVPD at our non-emergency number and ask to speak to a detective.

OVI

On November 2, 2025 at 8:34 am, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Columbia/Osborn. A traffic stop was conducted, and upon speaking with the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence. Standardized testing was conducted and subsequently the driver was arrested for OVI. The driver was conveyed back to BVPD to be booked and released to a sober adult. The driver refused a breath sample. The 35-year-old Cleveland resident was charged with OVI, OVI refusal (prior conviction), driving under suspension, and open container. The driver will face charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Active Warrant

On November 2, 2025 at 3:17 pm, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Oakmoor/Wolf. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and the driver was showing suspended with an active warrant out of Parma. The driver was issued a citation for driving under suspension. Parma advised the warrant was good, but unable to pick up due to man power. The 24-year-old Cleveland resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Overcharged?

On November 3, 2025 at 9:00 am, a resident responded to BVPD to report he paid for his garage door spring to be fixed by a company found online. The resident stated the workers did the work without giving him a quote. He paid the workers though the amount they asked for was extraordinarily high. The workers stated they would give him a discount if he would pay in cash instead and they would refund him the original charge. The resident feels this was a scam and unsure of what to do. Police are investigating.

Head Lights Required

On November 3, 2025 at 9:55 pm, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Columbia/Eaton Way. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle for the equipment violation. The driver was found to be under suspension. The driver was issued a citation for head lights required and driving under suspension and the vehicle was towed. Additionally, the driver was showing a warrant out of Erie County Sheriff’s Office. The warrant was confirmed, but out of the pick-up radius. The 45-year-old Sandusky resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

OVI Suspension

On November 3, 2025 at 11:30 pm, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Parkside/Osborn. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was showing a suspended license. The vehicle was towed and the driver was issued a citation for driving under an OVI suspension and display of plates. The 38-year-old North Ridgeville resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Stolen Dealer Plate

On November 4, 2025 at 12:18am, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Wolf/Lake Rd. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted on the vehicle and officers located a stolen dealer plate. The driver was arrested and conveyed back to BVPD jail. The female was booked and held to see a judge. The 38-year-old Sullivan resident was charged with license plate light required, turning at intersections, and receiving stolen property. She was seen by Rocky River Municipal Court. She was released on a personal bond and will be facing charges through Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Please Leash Your Dog

On November 7, 2025 at 8:13 am, an upset resident contacted BVPD to report a male walking their dog without a leash on Lake/Rockledge. BVPD responded and located several dog walkers who had their dogs on leashes. Upon speaking to one dog walker, they advised there are about three dogs they know in the area who walk unleashed, but are very well trained and never leave the side of their owner. Bay Village Police would like to remind all residents that dogs must be on a leash and under control while on public property.

Walgreens Theft

On November 7, 2025 at 10:39, BVPD was contacted by Walgreens who wanted to report a theft that occurred on November 1st. Several stores in the area were hit by the same group, so a regional email was sent out to all Walgreens. Walgreens reviewed their footage and caught the same group stealing. Walgreen’s reports having approximately $3,000 worth of merchandise stolen by the group.