The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
Drunk with Baby in Car
On 8/14/26 at approx. 9:15PM, officers stopped a Volvo on I90 E/B in the area of Columbia Rd after witnessing several moving violations. The vehicle had even attempted to merge into another vehicle’s lane before realizing there was a near collision. The driver appeared intoxicated. Officers noted that there was an infant secured in a child safety seat in the rear of the vehicle. The man appeared confused about the circumstances and denied any traffic violations. He declined to participate in field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest for OVI. He was allowed to call his wife to respond to the scene to pick up the child. Reports note that the officers had to talk to the woman on the phone as the driver was slurring his speech and could not explain where he was located. Officers stayed with the infant while the dad was transported to jail. He refused a breath test. The 40yo Fairview Park male was charged with OVI, refusing a breath test after a prior OVI conviction and endangering children.
Stolen License Plate
On 8/19/26 at about 8:30PM, WPD was advised by Avon PD that a vehicle with a stolen license plate was traveling on Detroit Rd E/B. Westlake officers looked for the Toyota Yaris in our city but could not locate it. The plate had been stolen from the front of a 72yo man’s vehicle in the city of Lorain. Later, night shift officers checked FLOCK license plate readers to find that the vehicle had entered Crocker Park. The vehicle, still bearing the stolen license plate, was found parked in a parking garage at the shopping center. There was a man sleeping in the driver’s seat of the car when found. WPD officers blocked the vehicle in to avoid any possibility of a vehicle pursuit. The man was then called out of the vehicle and taken into custody without further incident. The 38yo Maple Heights driver claimed he had found the license plate on the ground and was just using it until he could get his registration straightened out with the BMV. He was charged with felony receiving stolen property.
Bay Police Remind Drivers to be Alert During School Days
Welcome Back To School!
As our kids head back to school, let’s do our part to keep them safe.
- NO TURN ON RED ON SCHOOL DAYS (certain intersections). School days from 7a-9a and 2p-4p
- SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS. 20 MPH when the lights are flashing
- SCHOOL BUSSES ARE ON THE ROAD. Never pass a stopped school with its lights/signs engaged.
Slow down – Stay Alert – Watch for children crossing.
Our crossing guards work hard every day to help keep our kids safe – you can help too.
Give yourself a little extra time, put the phone down, and remember: getting there a few minutes late is better than causing an accident or getting cited by police.
Have a safe and happy school year!
Bay Village PD Warns of Scam Alert
Be alert for scam messages or phone calls, claiming that your Walmart account was charged a certain amount of money.
These messages are designed to make you panic and call a phone number or provide personal, financial, or account information. The scammers may pretend to be Walmart representatives and use the situation to obtain information they can later use to defraud you or steal your money.
Do not provide personal information, passwords, account numbers, or banking information. Do not give the caller access to your computer or phone.
If you receive a message like this, verify your account by going directly to the official Walmart website or app—not by using a phone number or link provided in the suspicious message.
The BVPD has received multiple reports of this scam. Luckily, no one is out money at this point.
No Drivers License
On August 3, 2026 at 3:04 pm, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Lake Road/Clague Road. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was found to be operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license. The driver was issued citations for Driving Under Suspension and Window Tint. The 31-year-old Cleveland resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Mental Health Issues
On August 3, 2026 at 4:31 pm, BVPD received several calls regarding a male on Lake Road near Glen Park who was reportedly yelling at passing vehicles. BVPD personnel located the male, who immediately placed his head on the hood of the patrol vehicle and his hands behind his back, stating that he wanted to be arrested. BVPD personnel continued speaking with the male and determined he appeared to be experiencing mental health-related issues. A records check revealed he had no active warrants. The male was advised regarding the reason for the contact and informed that his behavior was alarming members of the public. After speaking with BVPD personnel, the male was sent on his way.
Identity Fraud
On August 3, 2026 at 8:30 pm, A resident responded to BVPD to report that he was the victim of identity fraud. The resident stated that an unknown person had taken out student loans in his name without his authorization. The resident requested a police report to provide to the U.S. Department of Education in an effort to have the fraudulent accounts closed. BVPD is investigating the incident.
Fictitious Registration
On August 4, 2026 at 9:51 pm, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Douglas Road and Lake Road. During the traffic stop, a second vehicle pulled over after its occupants recognized the occupants of the first vehicle. The second vehicle was towed due to fictitious registration. The 22-year-old Garfield Heights resident operating the vehicle was issued a citation for Driving Under Suspension and fictitious registration and will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court. The first vehicle was also towed after it was determined that the driver did not possess a valid driver’s license. The 21-year-old Shaker Heights resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Scammed for $49,000!
On August 7, 2026 at 2:55 pm, A Bay Village resident responded to BVPD to report a fraud and stated she was out approximately $49,200. The resident reported that her Microsoft computer had been compromised, and a phone number appeared on the screen that she believed was associated with Microsoft’s help desk. The resident contacted the number and was subsequently deceived into allowing the individual remote access to her computer and bank account. The individual then initiated a wire transfer of approximately $49,200 to an account in California. The resident was later instructed to withdraw cash from her bank account, which an unknown individual would allegedly pick up. While the resident was at the bank, a teller recognized the circumstances as a potential scam and assisted the resident in realizing she had been defrauded. BVPD is investigating the incident.
Active Warrants
On August 7, 2026 at 6:28 pm, A BVPD unit observed a vehicle whose listed owner was shown to have two active warrants. A traffic stop was conducted, and the listed owner was detained. Parma Police Department and Cleveland Heights Police Department were contacted and confirmed the warrants were valid. Both agencies advised BVPD to advise and release the individual due to manpower constraints. The individual was subsequently advised and sent on their way.
Driving Under Suspension
On August 8, 2026 at 5:00 pm, A BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Columbia Road/ Columbia Court. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was found to have an active OVI-related driver’s license suspension. The passenger did not possess a valid driver’s license and was issued a warning for failure to wear a seat belt. The driver was issued a citation for Driving Under Suspension – OVI and received a verbal warning for window tint. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The 41-year-old Lorain resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Under the Influence
On August 8, 2026 at 9:30 pm, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Lake/Florence. Upon speaking with the driver, it was suspected she was under the influence. The female driver submitted to standardized field sobriety testing and was subsequently arrested for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI). She was transported to the BVPD jail, where she was booked and offered a breath test. The female submitted to the breath test, which produced a result of 0.217% BAC. She was later released to a sober adult. The 33-year-old Cleveland Hts resident was charged with OVI, OVI within 20 years, driving under suspension, and stopped or slow speed. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Civil Assist Needed
On August 8, 2026 at 10:36 pm, BVPD was contacted by a female who reported that she had been involved in an argument with her boyfriend. The female stated that her boyfriend was on his way to her residence in Bay Village and expressed concern that, because she was not home, he may cause damage to the residence. BVPD responded to the residence and located the male and a friend. The male stated he had responded to the residence to remove his vehicle and personal property because he believed the female may damage them if they remained at the residence. He was advised that if he needed to retrieve any additional items from the residence, he should contact BVPD for a civil assist.
Active Warrant
On August 9, 2026 at 9:00 am, BVPD officers observed a male subject with an active warrant issued by BVPD in the driveway of a residence on Wolf Road. Officers detained the male, and the warrant was confirmed. The male was transported to the BVPD jail, where he was booked and subsequently released on bond.
Firearm at Bay Pool
On August 9, 2026 at 9:00 am, BVPD was contacted by a third party regarding an incident that occurred at Bay Pool on 08/08/2026 at approximately 7:45 p.m. BVPD was advised that a male had brandished a firearm in the parking lot at a female following an argument at the pool. Neither party contacted police at the time of the incident. BVPD followed up with the female victim, who confirmed that the male had brandished a firearm at her during the argument. After an investigation BVPD was able to identify the male involved. The male was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated menacing. He will face the charge through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Driving Under Suspension
On August 9, 2026 at 1:32 pm, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Dover Center Road. The male driver was issued citations for driving under suspension and a window tint violation. The passenger was found to have a valid driver’s license and took over driving the vehicle. The male driver will face the charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Phishing Scam
On August 9, 2026 at 1:34 pm, A resident responded to BVPD for assistance regarding a text message stating that a firearm had been purchased through PayPal. The resident was assisted and advised that the message was part of a phishing scam. The resident was advised not to provide any personal or financial information and to disregard the message.
Too Young for Weed
On August 9, 2026 at 9:48 pm, BVPD observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. A probable cause search of the vehicle was subsequently conducted after it was determined that the occupants were not of the required age to legally possess marijuana. The driver was issued citations for equipment violations. The passenger was issued a citation for possession of marijuana. Both individuals will face the charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Unknown Truck
On August 10, 2026 at 1:10 am, BVPD was contacted by a resident on Bexley who reported an unknown truck parked in front of their residence with the engine running. BVPD responded and located the vehicle. The truck was identified as belonging to a CEI worker who was conducting work in the area.
Worried Resident
On August 10, 2026 at 2:228 am, BVPD received a call from a resident at The Knickerbocker Apartments reporting that an unknown male was inside their bathroom. BVPD responded and checked the residence, finding no one inside. It was determined that the resident was experiencing a mental health-related issue.
Plant Theft
On August 10, 2026 at 10:00am, BVPD received a call from a resident at The Knickerbocker Apartments reporting that someone had taken plants from near her door/mailbox. BVPD and apartment management reviewed surveillance footage and were able to identify another resident as the person responsible. Contact was made with the resident, and the plants were returned to the reporting resident. The other resident was advised that any future thefts may result in prosecution. The reporting resident was satisfied with the outcome.
Unknown Van
On August 10, 2026 at 11:30 am, BVPD received a report from a resident on Bradley regarding an unknown van parked and occupied in her driveway. BVPD responded and made contact with the male occupant, who advised he was with a surveying company and had mistakenly gone to the wrong address. BVPD assisted the male in locating the correct vacant lot on Bradley, and the male left the area without further incident.
Felony Warrants
On August 10, 2026 at 7:08 pm, BVPD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle whose listed owner was shown to have active felony warrants through the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). The male driver was detained without incident, and the warrants were confirmed. The male was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the BVPD jail to be held for LCSO. A short time later, the male was turned over to LCSO custody without incident.
Menacing
On August 10, 2026 at 8:30 pm, BVPD was contacted by Rocky River Police Department (RRPD), who advised they were releasing a male subject with an active aggravated menacing warrant through BVPD. BVPD responded and took custody of the male. The male was transported to the BVPD jail, where he was booked and subsequently released. Following his release, BVPD provided the male with transportation to the RTA station on West 117th Street in Cleveland. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Open Container
On August 11, 2026 at 1:19 am, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Wolf/ Douglas. BVPD conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver, probable cause was established to conduct a search of the vehicle. The passenger was issued citations for an open container and possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver was issued citations for a traffic control device violation and a license plate light violation. The two will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Rental Scam
On August 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm, BVPD received a call from a resident on Columbia reporting that the neighboring residence had recently been sold and that an unknown male was moving into the home. BVPD responded and made contact with the male, who stated he found an advertisement on Craigslist indicating that the residence was available for rent. The male advised that he had paid a deposit and was given permission to move in. BVPD observed information identifying the builder and contacted the company. The company confirmed that they had purchased the property and intended to demolish the residence for a new construction project. BVPD returned to the residence and advised the male that he was the victim of a rental scam and would need to remove his property and vacate the premises. The male complied and was advised to contact his local police department to file a report regarding the scam.
Mental Health Issues
On August 11, 2026 at 7:00 pm, BVPD was contacted by a female who reported that her mother was experiencing mental health issues and was at Huntington Beach. Metroparks Police requested mutual aid in locating the female. BVPD responded and assisted with the search. The female was located and detained. Metroparks Police took over the scene, and the female was transported to a local hospital.
Suspected Drugs
On August 12, 2026 at 12:24 am, BVPS observed a traffic violation near Lake/Cahoon. BVPD conducted a probable cause search which yielded suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia. The driver and passenger were placed under arrest. The male and female were transported back to BVPD jail to be booked and held to see the judge.
Walmart Scam
On August 12, 2026 at 4:16 pm, BVPD was contacted by a resident who reported receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to be a representative of Walmart. The caller advised the resident that a large purchase had been made and instructed the resident to press either one or two to confirm or deny the purchase. BVPD assisted the resident and advised that the call was a scam and phishing attempt intended to defraud the resident. The resident was advised not to provide any personal or financial information.
Active Warrant
On August 12, 2026 at 7:30 pm, BVPD was contacted by Sheffield Police Department (Sheffield PD), who advised they were conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle whose listed owner had an active warrant through BVPD. BVPD confirmed the warrant and coordinated a meeting location for the female to be turned over to BVPD custody. The female was transported to the BVPD jail, where she was booked and released on bond. It was also determined that the female had an active warrant through Mayfield Heights Police Department. She was subsequently transported and turned over to Mayfield Heights PD. The female will face the BVPD charge through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Scam Network
On August 14, 2026 at 6:00 pm, BVPD received two calls regarding suspected swatting incidents at a residence on Manhasset. An unknown individual initially reported an active domestic violence incident at the residence. On the following morning, 08/15/2026, another call was received reporting a medical emergency at the same location. BVPD responded to the initial domestic violence call and determined that the resident had previously been the victim of a scam. BVPD learned that the FBI had arrested the suspected scammer. It was believed that other members of the scam network, upset by the arrest, began placing fraudulent emergency calls to the residence in an apparent attempt to harass or intimidate the victim.
