Westlake Police: Brothers Arrested in Suspected Hyland Theft/Police Chase

On Tues December 11 at approx. 1PM WPD received multiple calls about an altercation in the parking lot of Hyland Software on Clemens Rd. While officers were responding it was relayed that the incident was possibly a theft that had been occurring in the parking lot that employees had interrupted. A suspect was detained in the parking lot and another left in a vehicle, a Black Honda with no rear license plate. Several citizens were almost struck by the suspect as he fled the area. Westlake officers began pursuing the suspect vehicle that left the scene and were assisted by Bay Village PD. The pursuit crossed into Bay Village and then back into Westlake where the suspect vehicle struck several other cars on Detroit at Cahoon. In all the pursuit lasted approx. 4-5 minutes. There were injuries which do not appear to be life threatening. 5 persons including the suspect driver were transported to local hospitals. We currently have 2 suspects in custody.

Joseph Harvath, a 41yo from Cleveland and (Warrants: Parma PD burglary; Middleburg Hts PD Hit Skip and Wickliffe Receive Stolen Property)

His brother, Christopher Harvath, a 40yo from Cleveland (2 warrants – Parma (Burglary) and Shaker Hts PD (Burglary))

Investigation revealed that the suspects were stealing license plates from vehicles in the parking lot of Hyland Software. The vehicle they arrived in and in which 1 suspect fled, the black Honda, was reported as stolen out of Lakewood. A plate left at the scene had been reported as stolen out of Cleveland. Westlake will have Felony Aggravated Robbery and receiving stolen property charges on both suspects as well as Felony Fleeing charges on Christopher Harvath.

Several other agencies have interest in the Harvath brothers for burglaries and thefts in other jurisdictions.