The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
Garbage Truck Accident
On 8/21/26 at approx. 3:15PM, WPD received a call from a garbage truck driver reporting that his vehicle had struck the ODOT bridge on I90 E/B at Clague Rd. Part of the garbage truck was knocked off the vehicle and was sitting in the roadway. Officers responded and blocked lanes as the crash was investigated. The driver of the garbage collection truck had accidentally left the dumpster arms up and above the cab of the truck as it traveled on the highway. The deployed garbage dumpster struck the bridge. Another vehicle struck the broken dumpster after the collision with the bridge. An entrance ramp and lanes of the highway were closed for about an hour and a half as crews cleaned up the scene and ODOT inspected the bridge. The overpass was found to be structurally sound. The driver of the truck, a 38yo Parma man, was cited with operating an unsafe vehicle. No injures were reported during the incident.
Family Brawl
On Friday 8/21/26 at about 8:50PM, WPD received multiple 911 calls reporting a large fight at the La Centre Banquet Facility on Detroit and Columbia Rds. Several guests who had attended a wedding at the facility had gotten into a physical altercation which had spilled out into the parking lot. Officers from Westlake arrived to find numerous persons outside the facility, some still in physical and verbal confrontations. Mutual aid officers from Bay Village, Rocky River and Fairview Park also responded to help restore the peace. A 47yo man from Cleveland was arrested for violation of a temporary protection order and a 46yo From Dearborn Hts was arrested for assault and inducing panic for brandishing a butter knife during the altercation. A 48yo man from Westlake was charged with aggravated menacing. 2 persons were transported to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries. The report was forwarded to the Westlake Prosecutor to review the case for possible additional charges.
Loaded Handgun
On 8/22/26 at about 11AM, an officer stopped a vehicle for equipment violations as it was exiting the WestSpring Inn on Sperry. Officers noticed signs of drug use in the vehicle and investigated further. A loaded 9mm handgun was found in the glove compartment of the Nissan SUV. The male in the front passenger seat, a 29yo Cleveland resident, admitted he knew the gun was in the car but denied ownership. It was agreed that the female driving did not have knowledge of the firearm. The man was disqualified from possession of a gun due to prior convictions of felonious assault, aggravated robbery and weapons under disability. He was arrested and charged with a new felony of having weapons while under a disability. Additional charges of carrying a concealed weapon will be presented to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.
Road Rage
On 8/22/26 at approx. 5PM, a caller reported that a male driving a light blue Hyundai tried to “run” him off the road on I90. The apparent road rage also involved brake checking and stopping in the lanes of travel on the interstate. The complainant continued on W/B while the Hyundai exited the highway at Crocker. Officers caught up with the described vehicle which had parked at the Carhart Store on Detroit Rd. The owner and driver of the car, a 19yo man out of Cleveland, was found to be wanted by Orange PD for aggravated riot. The man was arrested and turned over to Orange PD officers. No new charges were filed although the man was advised regarding his road rage type behavior.
AR-Style Pistol
On 8/23/26 at approx. 1:30AM, officers stopped a vehicle on I90 E/B in the area of Columbia for equipment and license plate violations. Signs of drug use were detected in the vehicle. Investigation uncovered a loaded AR-style pistol with a high capacity magazine in the vehicle. A 24yo Cleveland man was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. He also had felony warrants out of Cuyahoga County for probation violation involving a past carrying concealed weapons and improper handling of firearms. Parma PD wanted him for a fraud. 2 females were sent on their way while the man was brought to jail. He was charged and turned over to Cuyahoga County Deputies on their warrant.
Reckless Driver
On 8/26/26 at approx. 1:40PM, WPD received a called in complaint of a reckless driver on Crocker Rd in the area of Crocker Park. A license plate and vehicle description was relayed to officers who responded to search for the vehicle. In about a half hour, another caller reported the same vehicle was driving recklessly in the driveway to the Westlake Community Services building. Officers located the vehicle and stopped the female driver. The 57yo from Medina was cited with reckless driving and expired license plates. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The woman was forced to call an Uber to pick her up.
Nursing Facility Theft
On Tues 7/28/26 at about 10AM, a Bay Village resident came to WPD to report a fraud/theft. The woman explained that she had power of attorney for her blind and elderly sister who resided in a nursing facility in North Olmsted. While checking bank records, the complainant noticed that someone had made 5 withdraws from the 86yo sister’s account totaling $2500. They did not know who was making these ATM withdraws. All of the transactions occurred at a bank in Westlake. WPD Officers investigated and obtained footage of the suspect taking the cash from the victim’s account. The suspect was identified as a 37yo female who worked as a night shift nurse’s aid at the victim’s nursing facility in North Olmsted. The suspect was fired from the facility immediately and was arrested on 8/27/26. The woman faces charges of felony theft and misuse of a credit card.
Lots of Drugs
On 8/28/26 at approx. 8:40PM, officers stopped a green Dodge Durango on I90 E/B at Columbia for a moving violation. Upon talking to the driver, the officers noted signs of drug use in the vehicle. When asked, the driver, a 28yo Detroit, MI resident, admitted he had “more than a little bit” of marijuana in the car. Investigation revealed that the man was transporting over 8 and ½ pounds of suspected marijuana, hundreds of suspected MDMA pills and white powder suspected to be cocaine. He also had trafficking paraphernalia including scales and empty baggies. The driver was arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
“Smelled Pretty Good”
On 8/30/26 at about 3PM, WPD received a call from a resident reporting that an unknown man had knocked on his apartment door and told his wife that it “smelled pretty good” in the apartment and he wanted something from inside. The suspicious man was sent away from the residence. When the husband arrived home, he went to confront the suspect who was still wandering around the parking lot of the apartment complex. The suspicious guy told the husband that he was on drugs and had just “smoked cocaine.” The wanderer went on to tell the man that he was suicidal and homicidal. Officers quickly found the man who appeared intoxicated. He complained to the officers about the “odor” from his neighbors’ apartment. It turns out he lived in close proximity to the new residents who called in the complaint. Investigation revealed that the suspect was also in possession of approx. 4.2 grams of a white substance that field tested positive for cocaine. The 24yo man was arrested and charged with being disorderly while intoxicated and for felony possession of drugs.
No License With Drugs
On 8/30/26 at approx. 8:30PM, officers stopped a red Chevy Cobalt on I90 E/B for license plate and moving violations. The driver, a 34yo man from Bellevue, OH, admitted he did not have a driver’s license. His female passenger, a 36yo who was also from Bellevue, did have a license but when she opened the glove compartment to look for the registration, officers noticed drug paraphernalia. When asked about the illicit items, she explained that it was her “friends car.” Investigation revealed that the pair were in possession of assorted pills, glass smoking pipes equipped with burnt chore boy (used to smoke cocaine or like drugs), charred foil and a yellowish-white rock like substance. The woman admitted this substance was fentanyl. The pair were arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. The driver was also cited with driving without a license and improper display of plates.
Snake Charmer
On September 1 a resident called WPD to report that she had a snake in her basement and didn’t know what to do. ACO Wang made quick work of the problem and returned the unharmed Garter Snake to a more natural landscape. The snake was strongly advised and sent on his (her?) way. WPD – Working Harder For You!
Home Invasion
On August 17, 2026 at 11:29 am, BVPD received a call from a resident reporting that his vacant home had been broken into and power tools had been stolen. BVPD responded to the residence on Osborn/Dover to take an initial report. Detectives responded to process the scene and collect evidence. The incident remains under investigation.
Golfing on the Baseball Field
On August 17, 2026 at 12:16 pm, BVPD received a complaint from city employees regarding a male hitting golf balls in Cahoon Park on the baseball field. Employees were concerned that their vehicles could be struck by the golf balls. BVPD responded and observed the male hitting golf balls back and forth within the fenced area. The golf balls were not observed going over the fence. BVPD spoke with the employees, who confirmed that the balls had not gone over the fence but expressed concern that the individual should not be using the fields for this activity. BVPD then spoke with the individual, advised him of the complaint, and suggested alternative areas where he could practice. The individual was cooperative and stated that he would be leaving shortly.
Suspicious Female
On August 17, 2026 at 8:00 pm, BVPD received a call regarding a suspicious female at the playground who was reportedly yelling and possibly consuming alcohol. BVPD responded and located the female near the corner of Normandy/Douglas. BVPD spoke with the female, who stated she had been on a date with a male when his ex-spouse arrived. The female admitted to consuming alcohol and advised that she was waiting for an Uber. The female was advised and left the area in an Uber without further incident.
Possible Fraud
On August 18, 2026 at 10:03 am, BVPD was dispatched to a residence on Elmwood for a possible fraud. BVPD responded and spoke with the residents, who advised they received a call from an individual claiming to be a Walmart representative. The caller stated that a large purchase had been made on their account. The resident advised that she provided some information before realizing the call may be fraudulent and hanging up. BVPD advised the residents that the call was likely a scam attempting to obtain personal information and potentially defraud them of money. They were advised of common fraud schemes and reminded never to provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. The residents confirmed that they were not out any money.
Walmart Scam
On August 18, 2026 at 10:31 am, BVPD was contacted by a resident on Lincoln regarding a possible fraud. The resident advised that they received a call from an individual claiming to be a Walmart representative who stated that a large purchase had been made on their account. BVPD advised the resident that the call was likely a scam and recommended that they contact their bank to verify that no unauthorized charges had been made.
Suspended License
On August 18, 2026 at 3:00 pm, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Clague/Wolf and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was found to have a suspended driver’s license and was issued a citation for driving under suspension. The passenger had a valid driver’s license and took over driving the vehicle. The male will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Broken Down Vehicle
On August 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm, BVPD was contacted by a resident regarding a red Mustang parked facing the wrong direction near Osborn/Dover. BVPD responded and located the vehicle. BVPD made contact with the owner, who advised that the vehicle had broken down and that they were able to move it to its current location. The owner stated that they would have the vehicle towed at a later time.
Suspicious Person
On August 18, 2026 at 7:20 pm, BVPD received a call from a resident on Forestview regarding a suspicious person. BVPD responded and spoke with the resident, who advised that an unknown white male in his 50s parked in front of their home and walked up the driveway. The resident spoke with the male, who stated that he worked for Pennymac Loan and was checking to see if the home was occupied. The male then went to a neighboring residence and left the area after receiving no response to his knocking. The resident requested extra attention to the area.
Welfare Check
On August 19, 2027 at 8:42 am, BVPD was contacted by a nurse from Cleveland Clinic requesting a welfare check on an elderly patient. BVPD responded to the 23000 block of Lake Rd and made contact with the resident. The resident was advised of the reason for the welfare check and BVPD assisted the resident with making phone calls.
Another Suspended License
On August 19, 2026 at 12:03 pm, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Lake/Eagle Cliff and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was found to have a suspended driver’s license and was issued citations for driving under suspension and a child restraint violation. The driver’s vehicle was towed, and BVPD provided the driver and her four-year-old child with a courtesy ride to BVPD. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Domestic Violence
On August 21, 2026 at 1:34 am, BVPD was dispatched to Bayfair Ct for an active domestic violence incident. BVPD arrived on scene and detained a male. Information was gathered, and one party was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. BVPD arrested the 19-year-old resident and transported him to the BVPD jail, where he was booked and held pending arraignment. The following day, the male was arraigned via Zoom and charged with felony domestic violence strangulation. The case was bound over to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. The male was issued a cash surety bond and transported to the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office jail. He will be facing charges through Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Dog at Large
On August 23, 2026 at 3:37 pm, A resident was walking her dog on Bates when an unleashed dog approached and attacked her dog. The resident was able to safely return home and contacted BVPD to report the incident. BVPD responded and obtained the necessary information for a report. The reporting party advised that another neighbor was able to intervene and pull the offending dog off her dog, allowing them to safely clear the area. The reporting party requested that the owners of the offending dog be advised of the incident but did not wish for a citation to be issued. Due to there being no prior history involving the dog, the owner was contacted and issued a verbal warning for Dog at Large.
Family Dispute
On August 25, 2026 at 1:29 am, BVPD received a call from a resident reporting that they heard a female yell, “Get away from me,” while a vehicle was slowly following her. BVPD responded and located the individuals involved. Investigation determined the incident was related to a family dispute involving a juvenile who was refusing to enter the vehicle with their parent. The parties were assisted, and the juvenile was ultimately transported home by their parent.
OVI
On August 25, 2026 at 1:30 am, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Clague and conducted a traffic stop at Clague Road and Detroit Road. Upon speaking with the driver, BVPD suspected the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence. The driver agreed to standardized field sobriety testing but, after completing the HGN test, refused to complete the remaining tests. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the BVPD jail. The driver was given the opportunity to submit to a breath test but refused. The passenger was also determined to be under the influence and was provided a courtesy ride to the BVPD lobby. The 32-year-old was charged with OVI, OVI refusal, traffic control devices, expired registration and transporting marijuana paraphernalia. He was later released to a sober adult. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Sex Offender Registration Violation
On August 26, 2026 at 10:24 am, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Bassett/ Ednil Road. A traffic stop was conducted, and upon identifying the driver, BVPD determined he had an active felony warrant through the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office for a sex offender registration violation. The male was placed under arrest and transported to the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office Jail. He was also issued a citation for the marked lanes violation and will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Smoking Car, Chase and OVI
On August 26, 2026 at 12:10 pm, A BVPD officer observed a vehicle producing a large amount of smoke. The officer initiated a traffic stop near Bradley/Willow Way. The vehicle stopped and then fled from the traffic stop, resulting in a short pursuit into the City of Westlake. The vehicle became disabled after striking a curb. BVPD with the assistance of WLPD officers gave verbal commands to the driver, and the driver was subsequently placed under arrest. Upon speaking with the driver, officers suspected the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence. The driver was offered standardized field sobriety testing at the BVPD jail but was unable to perform the tests. The driver was then given the opportunity to submit to a breath test and provided a sample that resulted in a BAC of 0.255%. The driver was charged with failure to comply to a P.O. signal-elude or flee, OVI, OVI breath, unsafe vehicle, red light, driving left of center to overtake and operation in willful or wanton disregard. The 43-year-old will be facing charges through Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and Rocky River Municipal Court.
Friday Night Fights
On August 28, 2026 at 10:22 pm, BVPD received a call from a resident reporting an altercation following the Bay football game. BVPD responded and spoke with the reporting party regarding the incident. As a result of the investigation, the 19-year-old female was placed under arrest for menacing. She was booked and held for Rocky River Municipal Court.
E-Bike Violation
On August 31, at 8:31am, Bay Village Police reported that they were out with a juvenile e-bike rider in the area of Dover Center and Osborn Road. The rider was operating equipment improperly and did not have the correct equipment on the bike. His parents were notified and told to bring the proper equipment so that he could ride home safely. They were advised that the bike would be confiscated and citations issued if the behavior was observed again.
$38,000 Fraud
On September 3, 2026 at 9:36am, Bay Village Police were dispatched to the lobby on a Fraud report. Police arrived and spoke with the son of the victim, who reported that his mother had sent around $38,000 in wire transfers over the last year in what he thinks is a dating scam. The complainant went to a local bank to seek assistance for his mother and her accounts. The Bay Village Detective Bureau is investigating.
And Yet Another Active Warrant and Drugs
On September 3, at 9:44am, Bay Village Police were on patrol in the area of Columbia Road and Eaton Way when they stopped a vehicle for a registration violation. Police spoke with the registered owner and passenger. Both were identified and the passenger was found to have outstanding warrants in Pennsylvania with full extradition. When the male was taken into custody and searched, suspected drugs and paraphernalia was discovered. The male was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and new drug charges. He was later seen in Rocky River Municipal Court and later turned over to authorities in Pennsylvania.
OVI with Drugs
On September 4, at 11:25pm, Bay Village Police were on patrol in the area of Lake Road, near Huntmere Drive when they noticed a vehicle with an equipment violation. Police stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, a 65-year-old Westlake resident. After an investigation it was suspected that the operator was under the influence. The male failed field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest. He was transported to the BVPD Jail and was given the opportunity to take an Intoxilyzer test. The male submitted to the test which showed a .12% blood alcohol content. When the male was searched, suspected drugs were found on his person. When asked, the male admitted that it was cocaine. The male is facing numerous charges in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Multiple Agency Chase
On September 4, at 9:57pm, Bay Village Police were on patrol in the area of Bassett Road and Wolf Road when they attempted to stop a vehicle for an equipment violation. Once emergency equipment was activated, the vehicle, a black Chevy Malibu began to flee from police. A pursuit was initiated and the vehicle made its way through Bay Village and into Westlake. The vehicle was eventually stopped by Westlake officers in the area of Hilliard and Bradley Road when WLPD used a pursuit intervention technique (P.I.T.) maneuver to disable the vehicle.
Officers gave commands but the male refused to exit the vehicle, instead lighting a glass pipe and smoking suspected drugs. Other units responded to assist as the driver continued to ignore commands, smoke and make furtive movements in the vehicle. Police broke out windows on the vehicle and used pepperball rounds to force the male, a 51-year-old Parma resident, out of the vehicle. This was not effective. Officers continued to warn and negotiate with the male for over an hour before releasing a Westlake K9 into the vehicle. While the male was kicking at the dog, officers broke out the driver’s door glass and attempted to pull the male from the car. When the male would not let go of the steering wheel, a Taser was used to extricate the male. He was then taken into custody and eventually was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The male was later booked into the BVPD jail and is charged with Fleeing and Alluding, Willful and Wanton Operation, Drug Paraphernalia, Assured Clear Distance Ahead, and a Headlight violation. He is facing charges in Rocky River Municipal Court. The male is also facing charges in Westlake. No officers, including the K9, were injured during the incident.
The Bay Village Police would like to thank the surrounding departments and individuals who assisted with the incident, including officers from the Westlake Police Department and Rocky River Police Department. This incident had a successful and safe outcome due to the highly trained officers involved and the close cooperation between the departments on scene. We are fortunate to be surrounded by agencies who are as esteemed and dedicated to professional law enforcement services.
Operating Erratically
On September 5, at 9:15pm, Bay Village Police received a complaint from an observant motorist who called to report a vehicle in front of them that was operating erratically. Further, the vehicle was now parked on Queenswood Road where the male operator was throwing trash out the window. A traffic stop was conducted and the male continued to act erratically. The male failed to submit to police commands and was placed in handcuffs. Officers suspected that the male, a 46-year-old Parma Heights resident, was under the influence. The male failed field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest. On station, the male refused a Intoxilyzer breath test. The male is facing numerous charges in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Senior OVI
On September 6, at 4:30pm, Bay Village Police were on patrol in the area of Lake Road and Cahoon Road when they noticed a vehicle make numerous moving violations. Officers stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator, a 73-year-old Westlake resident. After an investigation, it was suspected that the operator was under the influence. The operator failed field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest. On station, the operator submitted to an Intoxilyzer breath test which showed a .121% blood alcohol content. The operator is facing numerous charges at Rocky River Municipal Court.
Dog on the Loose
On September 6, at 9:53pm, Bay Village Police were dispatched to the area of Bayfair Court and Red Oak Lane on report of a gray pitbull that was loose in the neighborhood. Police arrived and located the dog, who was returned to owner who lived nearby. As this has happened multiple times in the past, the owner was cited for M2 Dog at Large and was advised of her mandatory court date in Rocky River Municipal Court.
