The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
PIT Maneuver in Vehicle Pursuit
On Friday 10/16/26 at approx. 1:45AM, WPD learned that Lakewood PD was in pursuit of a grey sedan with a loud exhaust on I90 W/B heading toward Westlake. WPD officers, trained by the state and equipped with tools to slow and stop vehicle pursuits, placed themselves in position to intercept the pursuit in case it entered our jurisdiction. A Rocky River PD unit and eventually a Westlake PD cruiser took over the pursuit of the 2005 Acura as it exited the highway at Clague Rd in Westlake. The suspect drove off the roadway at Columbia and Sperry before continuing S/B on Columbia Rd. A Westlake PD officer ended the pursuit on Detroit Rd just east of Columbia by utilizing a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver. Westlake and Rocky River PD cruisers boxed in the vehicle to prevent further movement. The driver, a 24yo North Olmsted man, was taken into custody without further incident. He was charged with felony failure to comply and reckless operation.
Stranger in the Shower!
On 10/16/26 at approx. 2:15AM, WPD received a call from a resident reporting that she had just gotten home to her apartment from taking her dogs to the vet. She was alarmed because someone was showering in her apartment but she had no idea who it was. Officers arrived quickly to find a female neighbor of the complainant finishing up with her shower. The woman was known to the officers due to recent prior calls involving the person reporting incidents that did not appear to be happening. An ambulance was summoned to transport the woman to the hospital for a mental evaluation. The case was sent to the prosecutor to rule on possible charges. No damage was noted to the victim’s apartment.
Monaco Cocktail Plus .22 Caliber Handgun
On 10/17/26 at about 11:50PM, WPD officers stopped a vehicle on I90 W/B at the Lorain County Line for a license plate violation. Upon approaching the driver and passenger, the officers noted an open container of Monaco Cocktail alcohol in the center console of the car. Investigation revealed that there was also a loaded .22 caliber handgun in the glove compartment. The driver, a 46yo Cleveland man, admitted the gun was his. He was not allowed to possess a firearm due to prior convictions of weapon and drug offenses. Neither occupant had a valid driver’s license. The vehicle was impounded and the driver was arrested for Having Weapons While Under Disability, a felony. The female passenger was transported off the highway to await a ride.
Asleep with Beer Bottle in Hand
On 10/19/26 at approx. 2:30 in the afternoon, WPD received a call reporting that a woman in a red Ford Explorer appeared to be passed out behind the steering wheel in the parking lot of a restaurant in the 27000 block of Center Ridge Rd. The concerned citizen relayed that the sleeping woman had a beer bottle still grasped in her hand. Officers arrived to find the woman as described. Reports document the odor of an alcoholic beverage and the open container of Modelo beer. The officers had a difficult time waking the woman who instantly indicated that she was not “driving anymore.” The 29yo from Lorain had to lean against the car to maintain her balance when she stood up. The woman was arrested and charged with having Physical Control of a vehicle while intoxicated. She refused a breath test therefore her license was placed under an immediate suspension.
Out of Tune Vehicle
On 10/19/26 at approx. 9:15PM, WPD received several calls about a speeding vehicle with an extremely loud exhaust creating popping sounds which sounded like fireworks or gun shots. Officers responded to the area of Caroline Cir where the noise originated. The vehicle, a BMW 325i, was found in the parking lot of a closed business in the area. The operator, a 23yo Avon man, explained that he was trying to “tune” his vehicle. He was cited for creating the noise disturbance.
Welfare Check Saves Fallen Woman
On 10/21/26 at about 11:45AM, officers were dispatched to a residence on Weymouth Cir for a welfare check. Family members were worried about their 64yo relative who had not been in contact for at least 2 days. Officers arrived to find that the woman could be heard inside but was on the ground and could not make it to the door. The officers and Westlake Fire gained entry to the residence to help the woman. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. The officers took out the woman’s dog and made sure he was fed before they left. Family was contacted and updated. They indicated that they could respond to care for the pet.
****This is a great reminder that the Westlake Police Department officers an RUOK (ConfirmOK) service. A quick sign up through the Dept of Community Services puts you or your loved one on a list to receive daily automated calls at a time of your choosing. If you are not able to answer the phone or press the correct button on the phone our dispatchers will be alerted that something may be wrong. This could save a life and definitely gives peace of mind. Contact The Westlake Community Services Coordinator at 440-899-3544 for more information or to sign up!****
Firearms and Children
On 10/24/26 at approx. 9PM, officers stopped a vehicle on I90 E/B at Clague for speeding. Upon running the license plate of the car, the officers also learned that the registered owner had a felony warrant through Lorain County Sheriff for Receiving Stolen Property. The owner, a 36yo Cleveland man, was in fact driving. He was arrested without incident for the warrant. The man had his wife and 3 children in the car. Unfortunately for the family, the wife, a 39yo Cleveland woman, also was wanted for felony Receiving Stolen Property. The children, aged 6, 11 and 12 were shielded as much as possible from the arrest of their parents. Officers transported the kids to the WPD station to await a grandmother who was summoned to the scene. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle contained suspected marijuana and paraphernalia along with a loaded firearm unsecured under the driver’s seat. Reports note that it was very near and completely within reach to where the 6yo was sitting. The adult couple were turned over to Lorain County Sheriff Deputies. Warrants were obtained for the man for improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle along with endangering children.
“A Little” to Drink
On 10/25/26 at about 5:30PM, an officer on patrol stopped a Ford Bronco after witnessing it sitting stationary at a green light. The SUV then swerved several times driving over lane lines and almost striking a curb. The officer noted that the woman driving had urinated herself and smelled like an alcoholic beverage. She admitted to having “a little” to drink before she submitted to field sobriety testing. The 58yo Westlake woman was arrested for OVI. She refused a breath test therefore her license was immediately placed under suspension. The driver was later released from the jail to a sober ride.
Marijuana and Smith & Wesson
On 10/26/26 at approx. 9:45AM, an officer stopped a vehicle on Crocker at Clemens for moving and equipment violations. The driver, an 18yo from Elyria, admitted he did not have a license. The female passenger was 19yo. Evidence of drug use was detected in the vehicle. Investigation revealed that the vehicle contained marijuana along with a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun. The driver was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon. The female was sent on her way with her vehicle.
PIT Maneuver Takes Out Suspect Vehicle
On 10/29/26 at approx. 1:37AM, a WPD officer observed a vehicle leaving the area of the hotels on Clemens Rd and entering I-90 W/B. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle after it entered the highway for an equipment violation. The Hyundai Elantra refused to yield to the lights and siren of the WPD cruiser and sped up toward Avon. The officer pursued the vehicle as it exited the highway at Nagel Rd. The officer utilized a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to spin out the suspect vehicle at Nagel. The driver was able to straighten out the vehicle and continued N/B on Nagel. The suspect continued on through Industrial streets in Avon before heading back S/B on Nagel. As the driver attempted to reenter I90, the vehicle struck a concrete median and flattened one of the tires of the vehicle. The driver ended up entering I90 going in the wrong direction – Westbound in the Eastbound lanes of travel. Recognizing the inherent dangers of allowing the vehicle to continue, the officer again utilized PIT maneuvers to spin out the suspect vehicle, now riding on 3 tires and a rim, into the cable barrier median. As the Hyundai came to a stop, the driver immediately fled the scene on foot with WPD officers close behind. The officers caught up with the felon in the lot of Avon Commons. The 19yo was taken into custody. Once identified, the man was found to be wanted for aggravated robbery out of The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Dept and Felonious Assault out of Cleveland PD. Meanwhile, Avon PD assisted by securing the suspect vehicle and finding that a passenger stayed in the car. The 21yo passenger claimed to have leg issues due to a recent shooting he had been involved with the prior month. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. 2 loaded handguns were recovered from the vehicle. The Hyundai had a damaged column and follow-up is being conducted with the owner who claimed to give no one permission to use the car. The 19yo driver, who listed a Cleveland address, was charged with felony fleeing and having weapons while under a disability due to his previous arrest for felonious assault with a gun. Recommended charges for the passenger are expected to be presented to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.
Improper Transport of Marijuana
On October 18, 2026 at 3:31 pm, Bay Village Police observed a traffic violation near Lake/Rye Gate. A traffic stop was conducted, during which the driver was identified as having an active warrant through the Lorain Police Department. A probable cause search was conducted due to the improper transportation of marijuana. The driver was issued a citation for an unsafe vehicle and given a verbal warning regarding marijuana laws. The warrant was confirmed through the Lorain Police Department. The male was subsequently transported to and turned over to Lorain PD. He will face charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Medical Call Saves Female
On October 19, 2026 at 1:00 am, BVFD received a medical call for a female at a residence on Pellett. During the call, the caller became unresponsive, and it sounded as though the phone had been dropped. BVPD and BVFD responded to the residence and forced entry to gain access. Upon entry, responders located the female on the floor. She was transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation.
Dog Hit by Car
On October 19, 2026 at 5:17 pm, BVPD received a report from a passerby regarding a vehicle stopped at Wolf/Glen Park that appeared to have struck a dog. Officers responded to the scene and located the vehicle and involved parties. The parties exchanged information. Unfortunately, the dog had succumbed to its injuries prior to BVPD’s arrival.
Help Needed with Dog
On October 20, 2026 at 1:32am, BVPD responded to a request for assistance from an elderly resident on Westlawn who was having difficulty getting her friendly golden retriever back inside. Officers assisted the resident in safely getting her dog indoors.
Road Rage
On October 20, 2026 at 9:49 am, BVPD received a report of a road rage incident near Columbia Road/railroad tracks. Officers responded to the area and spoke with both parties involved. One party reported that the other vehicle had been following too closely, leading to the incident. After speaking with both parties, officers provided guidance and both parties were sent on their way.
Suspended Drivers License
On October 21, 2026 at 8:25 am, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Lake Road and Fordham Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop. Upon investigation, the driver was found to have a suspended driver’s license. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and the male was provided a courtesy ride to the BP station on Crocker Road. The male will face charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Road Rage Accident
On October 22, 2026 at 6:25 am, BVPD received a report of a road rage incident on Lake Road that resulted in a motor vehicle accident. Both vehicles pulled into the walking path, where officers responded and spoke with the parties involved.
Both drivers provided statements regarding the incident. One party reported that the other vehicle was traveling too slowly, prompting them to pass on the left. Following the pass, the other vehicle began following too closely. The passing vehicle then abruptly applied its brakes, with the driver claiming a deer had entered the roadway, resulting in the other vehicle rear-ending it. Officers gathered information from both parties. Both drivers were advised to contact their respective insurance companies regarding the accident.
Living in Car
On October 22, 2026 at 10:14 am, BVPD observed a vehicle parked at Reese Park with an animal locked inside. Upon further investigation, officers discovered that two females and a rabbit were living out of the vehicle. Officers spoke with both individuals, provided guidance, and advised them before they left the area.
Hot Dogs In Yard
On October 23, 2026 at 10:29 pm, BVPD was contacted by a resident in the Bruce/Dover area reporting that a large group of juveniles had thrown toilet paper, cans of beans, and hot dogs onto their front yard. Officers responded and spoke with the homeowner. The group had left the area prior to officers’ arrival in a vehicle traveling eastbound on Lake Road. The incident was documented by police.
Music Blaring
On October 24, 2026 at 1:26 am, BVPD received a report of a vehicle parked and occupied on Eaton Way near Oakmoor with music blaring. Officers responded and located the vehicle and its occupants, whose clothing appeared disheveled. Upon speaking with the driver, officers suspected he was operating the vehicle under the influence. The driver refused to submit to standardized field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest. He was transported to the BVPD jail for processing. The driver was given the opportunity to submit to a breath test but refused. The passenger was provided a courtesy ride home. The male was charged with OVI. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
