The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
Illegal Drug Use
On 6/5/26 at approx. 9:15PM, an officer stopped a Chevy SUV on Columbia at Detroit for equipment and license violations. The driver admitted he did not have a valid license. The officer also noted signs of illegal drug use in the vehicle. There was a 7yo girl, the grand-daughter of a passenger in the car, sitting in the back seat. Investigation revealed that there was a black bag in the back seat around the child that contained suspected cocaine and a loaded semiautomatic handgun. Suspected ecstasy pills were also found in the car. Reports note that the serial number on the firearm was scratched off and could not be run through police databases to determine if it was reported as stolen. The gun and drugs were immediately accessible to the juvenile. The group was further interviewed before the driver, a 33yo man from Cleveland, was arrested. The other 4 people including the child, were released from the scene. The driver was charged with felonies including improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and having weapons under disability due to his prior convictions for aggravated trafficking in drugs in Lorain County. Misdemeanor charges for the man included possession of a defaced firearm and endangering children. He was also cited with driving under suspension and illegal window tint. Further investigation continues regarding the confiscated pistol.
“All Over the Road”
On 6/6/26, just before midnight, WPD received a call from a concerned motorist reporting a black Mercedes that was “all over the road” in the area of Bradley and Hilliard. Officers caught up with the vehicle in the area of Devonshire and Hilliard after the witness saw it driving on the wrong side of the street. The young looking driver appeared to be intoxicated and said he was headed home after dropping off a friend in North Ridgeville. The 16yo from Avon had to lean against the car to maintain balance after stepping out of the driver’s seat. Reports note that he was driving without any shoes but did not seem to notice. The teen puffed on a nicotine vape pen when being field tested by the officers. The boy was arrested for OVI. A fake New Jersey ID was confiscated from him during the booking process. He was charged with OVI, lane violations and failure to wear a seatbelt through Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. He was later released to his mother.
Crypto Scam
On 6/10/26 at about 3PM, WPD received a call from the clerk at a convenience store at Dover and Center Ridge about a Crypto scam in progress. Once again, the clerk had intervened when an elderly customer attempted to deposit large amounts of cash into the Crypto ATM in the store. The victim had received a text message from “Apple” indicating that she had suspicious charges on her account. The text message supplied a phone number to connect to an Apple “support line.” The victim called the provided number and was connected to fake representatives of Chase Bank and later the “FBI.” The woman was informed that she would have to transfer money through Bitcoin to resolve the matter and help the FBI with the investigation. She was assured that the funds would be returned to her at a later date. The victim withdrew $25,000 from the bank and was going to deposit it to the fraudsters account before being stopped. She had already deposited over $7000 into a crypto ATM in Lorain. A report at WPD was taken and she was assisted with completing a report on IC3.gov.
Bears at Red Roof?
On 6/12/26 at approx. 12:15PM, WPD received a 911 call from an employee of the Red Roof Inn on Clemens reporting a disturbance with a motel guest. The witness said that the man was causing problems in the office and had argued with the staff while using inappropriate language. They were evicting the man from the premises as his rental had expired at 11AM. When the man saw police officers he retreated to his room but made sure to show the officers that he was carrying a large can of bear spray. Knowing that bears were a very rare problem at the Red Roof Inn in Westlake, the officers ordered the man to vacate the area. He instead retreated to a motel room and barricaded himself inside. He refused to answer the phone or acknowledge lawful orders to surrender. Officers attempted to make contact and negotiate for several hours before tactically breaking out the windows to the room. Warrants for trespass charges were obtained. The man did not react to the pepperball introduced into the room so the WEB SWAT team was activated to provide additional resources. An armored vehicle broke down the door to the room while still attempting to order the man out via loudspeaker. Eventually the man did surrender peacefully. He was transported to Fairview General Hospital for a mental evaluation. In addition to the trespass complaint, the 70yo from North Olmsted will face charges of Obstruction, failure to comply and menacing. No one was injured during the over 4 hour standoff.
Reckless Operation
On 6/13/26 at approx. 10PM, a concerned motorist called WPD to report a Ford SUV operating recklessly on I90 W/B. The witness said that the vehicle was weaving and almost struck other cars while traveling at about 45mph on the highway posted for a 60mph limit. WPD officers caught up with the described SUV, saw it driving as reported and stopped it on I90 into Avon. The officers noted that the vehicle was still rolling forward slightly when they were approaching the driver on foot. They had to tell the female operator to stop the vehicle and turn it off noting that she appeared intoxicated. The 59yo Toledo resident slurred that she was headed back home. She admitted to consuming 2 drinks that evening. The driver was field tested and arrested for OVI. She refused a breath test and was charged with OVI, refusal of a chemical test after a previous OVI conviction, marked lanes and having an open Budweiser beer as the driver of a moving motor vehicle. Reports note that she had 3 prior OVI convictions on her record.
3 and ½ Times
On 6/13/26 at about 10:30PM, a citizen called to report that a lime green Ram Truck was weaving badly on I90 W/B. WPD officers responded and stopped it at Nagle. The driver appeared intoxicated and had a hard time finding his wallet despite the fact that it was in plain sight in the vehicle. The man admitted he had a gun in the truck but listened to the officer’s instructions to safely avoid contacting the weapon. The 36yo Cleveland man could not correctly recite the alphabet. He was field tested and arrested for operating the vehicle while intoxicated. The unloaded firearm was collected as evidence. The man submitted a breath sample and was found to be over 3 and ½ times the legal limit. He was charged with OVI as well as misdemeanor possession of a gun while intoxicated. He was later released to a sober ride and given a court date to appear in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Expired License Plate
On 6/14/26 at approx. 3AM, officers stopped a Chrysler mini-van on I90 E/B at Cahoon for driving with an expired license plate. The occupants appeared overly nervous as they explained that they were headed home to Cleveland from a painting job they had. The passenger, a 60yo man from Cleveland, was found to have hidden an open can of Bud Light when being stopped. A check of the vehicle revealed glass pipes with burn marks and other drug paraphernalia. The passenger admitted this contraband was his. Unfortunately for him, a container of white rocks was also found in the pocket of his jean shorts. The suspected crack cocaine elevated the charges to felony status. The driver was sent on his way with a warning while the passenger was arrested and charged with felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Drug Trafficking
On 6/16/26 at about 8:30AM, a citizen called WPD to report that they saw a man apparently passed out in a VW Jetta parked at an apartment complex on Detroit Rd. Officers had to wake the man who believed he was in Maple Heights. There were signs of drug use in the vehicle. The 19yo Bay Village man was field tested and arrested for OVI. Further investigation revealed that the man was in possession of a large amount of marijuana, THC vapes, nicotine vapes, a nitrous oxide tank with balloons for inhalation and 2 open bottles of Don Julio tequila. Due to the quantity of THC/marijuana, the fact that he was under 21 years old and the location being within 1000 feet of a school, the man was charged with an elevated level of felony drug trafficking in addition to the OVI.
Overturned SUV
On 6/16/26 an officer on patrol observed a traffic crash that overturned a Honda CRV. The SUV ended up on its side. The CRV was making a left hand turn from W/B Detroit Rd into a business on the south side of the street. The traffic in one of the lanes of Detroit Rd had stopped. Unfortunately, the SUV pulled through the 2nd lane which was not stopped. A E/B Ford F150 struck the driver’s side of the Honda causing it to roll over. 3 people were transported to UH St. John Medical Center for apparently non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Honda was cited with failure to yield when turning left.
Aggravated Menacing
On May 31 at 2:54 pm, BVPD unit conducted a traffic stop near Columbia/Lake Rd. The registered owner was showing an aggravated menacing warrant through Lakewood PD. The driver was detained while officers confirmed the warrant. Upon verification, the male was transported and turned over to Lakewood PD.
Unwanted Guest
On June 1 at 5:45 am, BVPD officers were dispatched to the Knickerbocker Apartments regarding an unwanted guest. Apartment staff reported they had located a young male sleeping in the lobby of the building. Officers responded and made contact with the individual. The male was identified and advised he was not permitted to remain on the property. He was issued a trespass warning and left the premises without incident.
Welfare Check
On June 2 at 9:38 pm, BVPD and BVFD personnel responded to Meadow Lane after a resident reported hearing a loud crashing noise from a neighboring residence and requested a welfare check. Upon arrival, first responders made contact with the resident and determined that medical attention was needed. The resident was evaluated by BVFD personnel and transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Multiple Violations
On June 3 at 1:56 pm, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Clague and Wolf roads after observing several violations. The passenger was found to have an active warrant through East Cleveland but they were unable to pick up the violator. After an investigation, the driver was cited for No Operator’s License, white light from taillight, and expired registration. The passenger was also cited for transportation of marijuana. The vehicle was towed and both individuals will face charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
No Climbing
On June 3 at 5:37 pm, BVPD responded to the area of Manchester/Narragansett following a report of children climbing on a light fixture. Officers checked the area and initially found no children engaged in unsafe activity. After a follow-up call, officers spoke with the parent of the children involved and advised them of the complaint. The children were given a brief safety talk.
Scam
On June 4 at 8:51 am, A resident reported falling victim to a scam and suffering a significant financial loss. A report was taken and forwarded to the CID for follow-up.
Unknown Male
On June 4 at 7:45 pm, A resident reported an unknown male parked in her driveway, exited his vehicle, checked her mailbox and left. BVPD collected information and video evidence. The incident remains under investigation.
OVIs
On June 6 at 11:23 pm, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Lake/Forestview after observing a traffic violation. Upon speaking with the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence and subsequently arrested for OVI. The driver was transported to BVPD for booking. A breath test was offered and the driver was found to have a BAC of 0.174%. The 19-year-old Avon Lake resident was charged with OVI, OVI Breath, failure to obey a traffic control device, marked lanes, speeding, and underage possession. He will face charges through Rocky River Municipal Court. Two juvenile passengers were cited for underage possession of alcohol, pending review by Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.
On June 6 at 2:14 am, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Lake/Douglas after observing a traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were offered and the operator was subsequently placed under arrest for OVI. The female was transported back to BVPD to be booked. A breath test was offered; however, the driver refused to provide a breath sample. The 35-year-old Bay Village resident was charged with OVI, marked lanes, and display of plates. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
E-Bike Violation
On June 8 at 9:36 BVPD stopped a juvenile operating an E-bike in the area of Wolf Road and Dover Center Road. The juvenile was advised of the violations and issued a verbal warning. The juvenile’s parent was notified of the stop.
Dog in Car
On June 9 at 11:08, BVPD observed a dog inside a vehicle at Heinens. Officers were able to locate the female inside and she was given a verbal warning for the violation.
Missing Person
On June 10 at 4:30 pm, BVPD located a vehicle at Huntington Beach that had been entered in connection with a missing person report. Officers subsequently located the individual on the beach and made contact without incident. The individual was spoken with and found to be safe. The Cleveland Police Department was notified of the contact and updated status.
No Suspicious Activity
On June 11 at 2:37 am, A resident on Glen Park contacted the Bay Village Police Department to report a motion sensor light that had been activated for an extended period of time and concern that someone may have been inside a nearby vehicle. Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle in question. The vehicle was found to be secure and showed no signs of entry or disturbance. Officers conducted a check of the surrounding area and found no individuals or suspicious activity.
Unpermitted Solicitor
On June 11 at 12:00 pm, BVPD responded to the Lake Forest regarding a complaint of an unpermitted solicitor. Upon arrival, officers located the individual in question and conducted an investigation. It was determined that the male was engaging in solicitation without the required permit. The male was issued a citation for soliciting without a permit. He will face charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Another Dog in Car
On June 11 at 2:05 pm, BVPD was dispatched to Heinens for an animal complaint. BVPD responded and located the vehicle with a dog inside. The owner was given a verbal warning for the violation.
Missing Child
On June 12 at 3:00 pm, The Bay Village Police Department responded to the Westspring Inn to assist the Westlake Police Department with a report of a missing child. Westlake Police had received a call reporting that a 5-year-old child had wandered away with two other juveniles. Officers from Bay Village assisted in the search and located the children in a nearby wooded area. All three juveniles were found safe and unharmed and were turned over to the WLPD.
Neighbor Dispute
On June 13 at 9:31 pm, Officers responded to the W. Oakland Road area regarding a dispute between neighboring property owners. Both parties advised to their respective attorneys and the building department. Both parties were also instructed to keep the peace while the matter is resolved through the proper legal channels.
After Hours Underage Drinking
On June 14 at 1:54 am, Officers with the Bay Village Police Department observed a vehicle parked at the Bay Boat Club after park hours. Upon checking the vehicle, officers located two individuals in the rear seat area. During the investigation, officers determined both individuals were under the legal drinking age and appeared to have consumed alcohol. As a result, both were charged with underage consumption and violation of park hours regulations. One individual was released to a parent who responded to the scene. The second individual was transported home by officers and released to a parent. One individual will be charged through Rocky River Municipal Court, while the other will be referred to Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court for further proceedings.
Active Warrants
On June 8 at 5:51 pm, BVPD observed a male subject in the area of Wolf Road and Bracken Way who was confirmed to have an active warrant through Bay Village. The officer made contact with the individual and placed him under arrest without incident. The male was transported to BVPD Jail for booking and held until seen by the judge.
On June 11 at 2:38 pm, The Bay Village Police Department was notified by the Parma Police Department of an individual in custody who had an active warrant originating from Bay Village. Officers confirmed the validity of the warrant and responded to meet Parma Police at a designated location. The female subject was taken into custody and transported to BVPD jail for booking. Following processing, she was released after posting bond.
On June 13 at 9:34 am, Officers from the Bay Village Police Department responded to the Welshire Drive area to serve an active warrant. The male subject was located and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently transported to the Bay Village Police Department Jail, where he was booked and held on a violation of his release conditions.
On June 13 at 1:03 pm, The Bay Village Police Department was contacted by the Berea Police Department regarding an individual who was found to have an active warrant through Bay Village. Officers confirmed the validity of the warrant and responded to a designated location to take custody of the individual. The individual was then transported to the BVPD jail. Following booking procedures, the individual was released after posting bond.
