WEST SHORE BLUES: The Best of the Beats

Westlake Police Nab Visiting Fraud Pros

On 5/29/26 at about 6:30AM, officers on patrol noticed a suspicious occupied vehicle driving, parking and driving again in the parking lot of Orange Theory at the corner of Bradley and Detroit Rds. Orange Theory is a work-out facility and is known to WPD as a target of fraud and theft crews based out of Florida who break into vehicles and steal purses, wallets, and personal identifying information from gym goers. Officers alertly watched but did not see any of the 4 occupants exit the vehicle. They stopped to check on the vehicle which had Florida license plates. The occupants indicated that they were using their GPS to head to Delaware, OH. Their stories did not add up and the officers noted signs of illegal drug use in the car. Investigation revealed that one of the men was in possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. The vehicle contained numerous fake driver’s licenses with various names and credit cards to match. None of the names matched the actual occupants of the car. A printer was co-located with an envelope of blank checks. All appeared fraudulent. The quartet were arrested and transported to jail. All four were charged with Attempted Counterfeit, a felony. One man was also charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. The charged individuals included: a 22yo man from West Palm Beach, FL, a 25yo man from Hialeah, FL, a 27yo woman from Miami, FL, and a 26yo woman from West Palm Beach, FL.

New Lobby Entrance

On 6/1/26 at approx. 1:45PM, a caller reported that a white SUV drove through the entrance to the WestSpring Inn on Sperry Dr. Westlake Police and Fire Departments were dispatched. When officers arrived, they confirmed that the Lexus SUV had in fact driven into the large window leading to the hotel lobby/office. Luckily, neither the driver nor the hotel clerk were injured. There was major damage to the exterior wall and window of the motel. The driver, a 44yo female, indicated that her foot slipped off the vehicle brake and onto the accelerator, resulting in the collision. The Lexus had significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. WFD personnel confirmed that the building’s structural integrity was not compromised by the crash.

A Little Too Social!

On 6/1/26 at approx. 4:15PM, officers responded to the report of a hit-skip in the parking lot of Kitchen Social on Crocker Rd. The suspect vehicle, a gray sedan, had fled N/B on Crocker after the crash. The victim did see the license plate before it left. Officers located the suspect vehicle as it exited I90 at Columbia and headed toward Bay Village. As the officers were catching up, they saw the vehicle drift into oncoming traffic and then weave off the roadway to the right and onto the adjacent tree lawn. The Toyota took some time to stop when signaled but it finally halted well into Bay Village. The officers noted damage to the vehicle from the collision. The female driver appeared intoxicated and staggered into the side of her car when she tried to stand up. She was field tested and arrested for OVI and leaving the scene of a crash. Reports note that there were 2 empty bottles of Jack Daniels Whisky in the car along with 1 unopened. There were also 2 empty bottles of wine. The suspect claimed that she was just going to recycle the bottles. It did not appear she had been headed to a recycling center. The 71yo Bay Village resident was transported to jail where she refused a breath test. No one was injured in the minor improper backing collision.

Crocker Park Driver No Longer Welcome

On 6/1/26 at about 8:45PM, officers on patrol in Crocker Park heard the driver of an Infinity revving the vehicle engine several times making the muffler loudly scream and crack. The car was stopped for the noise violation on Crocker Rd. The 18yo driver, a Westlake resident, tried to explain the noise by saying the car got “stuck” in 1st gear. Officers noted that the man had a ticket on his lap. This ticket had been issued after he was stopped at Crocker Park on 5/20 for the same violation. Further checking revealed that Crocker Park had banned the man from being on the property in May of 2025 for his vehicle operation at that time. The driver was arrested and transported to jail. He was charged with trespass and noise disturbance prohibited.

Elderly Scam Averted

On 6/3/26 at approx. 11:40AM, WPD received a call from an observant clerk at a convenience store in the area of Dover and Center Ridge Rds. The clerk reported that an elderly female was at their Bitcoin ATM machine “getting scammed.” Officers arrived and intercepted the 85yo from depositing the $18,000 in cash she had brought with her. Luckily, the clerk had noticed the situation and had intervened. The woman was advised about the scam and was escorted back to PNC Bank where she could deposit the cash back into her accounts. The Bank staff helped her create new account numbers.

“Bad Day”

On 6/3/26 at about 10PM, a concerned motorist called WPD to report a silver sedan swerving on I90 before it struck the media wall. The vehicle, now smoking, exited the highway at Columbia. Officers found it in a nearby parking lot. The driver appeared to be intoxicated and reports note that he had to use his car to balance when walking. An open container of Bacardi Rum was seen on the front passenger seat. The driver admitted he consumed “a couple” shots before driving due to having a bad day. The 40yo Detroit, MI man was field tested and arrested for OVI. He was transported to jail while his vehicle was towed from the scene. The driver submitted to a breath test and was found to be almost 3 and ½ times the legal limit. He was cited with OVI, prohibited breath alcohol content, driving under suspension and possession of an open container in a moving motor vehicle.

Soccer Field Fire

On May 18, 2026 at 6:10am, Bay High maintenance contacted BVPD reporting that a male had attempted to start a fire on the soccer field. The male then left the area northbound toward Longbeach. BVPD responded to the area and located the male. He was identified and known to have mental health issues. The male was charged with criminal damaging, theft, and criminal trespass. He was also conveyed for an involuntary commitment evaluation at a local hospital. The male will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Flock Nab

On May 18, 2026 at 11:15 am, A driver contacted BVPD to report being involved in a motor vehicle accident near Clague/Lake Rd. The caller advised that the driver of the other vehicle left the scene. BVPD responded and gathered information regarding the incident. Officers conducted a search through Flock Safety and were able to locate the vehicle in question. BVPD issued the driver citations for assured clear distance ahead and stopping after accident. The 29-year-old Avon Lake resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Unfriendly Neighbors

On May 18, 2026 at 7:53 pm, BVPD received a call from a resident of the Knickerbocker Apartments reporting that her neighbor had thrown alcohol bottles outside her door. Officers responded and spoke with both parties. Both parties were advised to cease contact with one another and to address any further issues through apartment management.

Suspended License

On May 20, 2026 at 2:14 pm, a BVPD unit sitting on a speed complaint observed a traffic violation near Dover/Wolf. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was showing a suspended license. The driver was issued a citation for DUS and speed. The 47-year-old Cleveland resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Visitor from Loserville

On May 20, 2026 at 3:00 pm a BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Lake/Cliff. Upon speaking with the driver, he admitted to not having a driver’s license. The driver was also found to have active warrants through the Medina County Sheriff’s Office and Cleveland PD. The male was detained while the warrants were confirmed. BVPD issued the driver a citation for no operator’s license, then transported and turned him over to MCSO. The 40-year-old Cleveland resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Long Walk

On May 21, 2026 at 1:49am, BVPD received a 911 call from a male caller advising that he had walked from Cleveland, was lost, and was not feeling well. Officers located the male near Lake/Vineland. Upon speaking with him, the male stated he was not feeling well and requested EMS. BVFD responded to the scene and transported the male to a local hospital.

Juvenile Jokers

On May 21, 2026 at 10:00 am, BVPD received a call from a driver who was following a vehicle northbound on Cahoon. The caller alleged that occupants of the vehicle, described as juveniles, had thrown an object at their car and had followed the vehicle into Westlake. BVPD responded to the area and located the vehicle southbound near Dover/W. Oviatt. A traffic stop was conducted. Upon identifying the driver, officers learned the 15-year-old driver only possessed a temporary permit. The other two occupants were also juveniles. WLPD responded to speak with the occupants and obtain their side of the story. The driver was issued citations, the vehicle was towed, and the juveniles were released to their guardians. The 15-year-old North Olmsted resident will be facing charges through Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

Solicitors Booted

On May 21, 2026 at 8:00 pm, BVPD received a complaint regarding solicitors in the area. Officers responded and located a male subject near Kimberly/Marvis. The male advised that his company had submitted solicitor permit applications and was under the assumption they were permitted to solicit. He was advised of the city’s solicitation rules and informed that he was past the allowed solicitation hours within the city.

Tree v. Car

On May 21, 2026 at 9:18 hours BVPD received a call regarding a large tree down across Aldrich/Walmar. Officers responded and confirmed that a large section of a tree had fallen, blocking Aldrich. The tree also partially fell onto a vehicle parked on the street.

BV Service was notified and responded to assess the tree. BV Service advised they would remove the tree in the morning. The homeowners exchanged information, and the area was coned off.

No Helmet

On May 25, 2026 at 12:34 am, a BVPD officer observed a traffic violation near Lake Road/Lake Forest Drive. The motorcycle rider was issued a citation for violating motorcycle probationary license restrictions. A family member arrived on scene and provided the rider with a helmet. The rider was then advised to proceed directly home. The 24-year-old Westlake resident will face charges through the Rocky River Municipal Court.

Car Nap

On May 25, 2026 at 3:20 am, a BVPD checked on a male sleeping in their vehicle on Juneway/ Columbia. The driver checked okay and had been driving from out of town and stopped to rest.

Active Felony Warrant

On May 25, 2026 at 4:16 pm, a BVPD officer observed a vehicle whose registered owner had an active felony warrant. Officers conducted a felony traffic stop, and the driver was taken into custody without incident. The warrant was confirmed through the Portage County Sheriff’s Office. The male was transported and turned over to Portage County Sheriff’s Office.

Jets vs. Sharks?

On May 25, 2026 at 10:07 pm, BVPD officers responded to Huntington Beach to provide mutual aid assistance to Metroparks Police. A report indicated that a single officer was handling a large group of juveniles involved in a verbal dispute. Officers assisted Metroparks Police in dispersing the group and having them leave the beach.

Man in Black

On May 26, 2026 at 8:57 am, a resident on Edinborough Road reported that their vehicle alarm activated during the night. When they went outside to investigate, they observed a male dressed in all black standing at the end of the driveway. The caller was advised to contact BVPD immediately should a similar incident occur in the future. Officers will provide extra patrol and special attention to the area following the report.

Restroom Respite

On May 26, 2026 at 9:46 am, BVPD received a call from the Service Department reporting that a homeless male had been sitting near the restroom building for several hours. Officers responded and made contact with the individual. The male was asked if he needed any assistance but declined. He was advised of park hours and instructed to contact police if he needed assistance in the future.

Unsafe Vehicle

On May 26, 2026 at 10:12 am, a BVPD officer observed a traffic violation near Wolf Road and Columbia Road. The driver was issued citations for driving under suspension and operating an unsafe vehicle. The 24-year-old Lorain resident will face charges through the Rocky River Municipal Court.

Better Safe than Sorry

On May 26, 2026 at 4:45 pm, BVPD and BVFD were dispatched to the area of Knickerbocker Road and Fordham Parkway for a report of a possible active fire. Upon arrival, BVPD officers were flagged down by workers in the area, who advised they were contractors conducting sewer line testing. The contractors explained that they were releasing non-toxic smoke into the sewer system to identify potential faults and leaks. While units were on scene, BVFD received an additional call reporting the same activity. The situation was determined to be non-emergency in nature.

Good Old Fashioned Rhubarb

On May 26, 2026 at 7:12 pm, BVPD officers responded to Hartman Field for a report of a heated argument at a baseball game. Upon arrival, officers were advised that the dispute was between a parent and a coach. Statements were obtained from the involved parties, and the incident was documented.

Metroparks Fight

On May 26, 2026 at 8:57 pm, BVPD officers responded to a mutual aid request from Metroparks Police regarding a reported large fight in the handicap-access parking lot. Upon arrival, officers found no active disturbance. The reported altercation involving approximately 30 to 40 individuals was not occurring at the time of police response. The area was checked, and no further action was required.

Kids in Trouble

On May 28, 2026 at 12:28 am, BVPD received a call regarding a suspicious occupied vehicle parked on the street. Officers responded and, upon approach, observed two individuals inside the vehicle ingesting a white powdery substance. Both subjects were detained and identified as juveniles. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and evidence was seized. The juveniles were transported to BVPD and subsequently released to their parents. The case will be forwarded to detectives for follow-up investigation.

Accident Report

On May 29, 2026 at 10:27 BVPD received a call for a vehicle pulled over on Douglas Road near East Oviatt Road. Upon arrival, officers were flagged down by a female who reported she had been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Information was collected from the involved parties, and exchange of information was completed.

Scam Near Miss

On May 29, 2026 at 2:55 pm, BVPD received a call from a family member reporting that her brother had been the victim of a scam. Officers responded to the Knickerbocker Apartments to speak with the individuals involved. Upon arrival, the family member was observed speaking by phone with the suspected scammer. The victim had been instructed to withdraw $30,000 from his bank account for later pickup. Fortunately, the victim had not yet gone to the bank and did not suffer any financial loss. Information was gathered, and the family was advised on measures to help prevent future scams.

Accident Histeria

On May 29, 2026 at 6:38 pm, BVPD was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident near Lake Road and Fordham Parkway. A passerby reported that one driver had exited their vehicle and was yelling and possibly experiencing a panic attack. BVPD and BVFD responded to the scene. Information was gathered for a crash report, and the driver was issued citations for following too closely and assured clear distance. The juvenile driver will face charges through Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

Keep it Down!

On May 29, 2026 at 11:36 pm, a BVPD while responding to the area for a loud noise complaint observed two vehicles traveling westbound on Wolf Rd at a high rate of speed. Vehicles were stopped and both parties were issued citations for reckless operation.

Resident with Knife

On May 30, 2026 at 9:59 am, BVPD was flagged down by a male wearing a high-visibility vest in the Knickerbocker Woods area. The worker advised that he and his crew, employed by Norfolk Southern, were installing fiber optic lines near the railroad tracks. He stated that their vehicle had been positioned in an access area at the dead end of the street when two workers were approached by a homeowner who was holding a knife. The workers reported that they moved their vehicle back onto the roadway and contacted their supervisor before observing a police unit in the area and flagging it down for assistance. Officers contacted the involved resident who was advised on the issues created when approaching workers with a knife, regardless of any concerns about individuals on private property. The resident stated he did not know who the workers were, but also acknowledged awareness of ongoing work behind his property in recent days. He was further advised that any similar future behavior could result in criminal charges.

Avon Police Issue Ebike Rules

SRO Bergen is doing his part to make sure students at Heritage School know the rules of the road when it comes to electric bicycles, scooters, e-motos, and electric dirt bikes.

Parents, we need your help. Before purchasing one of these vehicles, please make sure you understand the laws and regulations that apply to them before sending your children out to ride this summer.

Recently, Avon City Council passed new legislation requiring anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet while operating or riding a motorized bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, or electric scooter. (Ordinance 416.13)

It is also important to understand that e-motos and electric dirt bikes are NOT electric bicycles. They are classified and regulated the same as traditional dirt bikes. These vehicles are intended for off-road use only unless they are properly registered through the BMV and operated by a licensed driver.

E-motos and electric dirt bikes are never permitted on sidewalks, walking paths, or in our parks.

Please take a few minutes to review the rules with your children so everyone can enjoy a safe and fun summer.