Westlake Police: She Drove Too Slow!

A driver who rear-ended another car in Westlake last week claimed the accident was the victim’s fault for driving too slow. Here is the police report:

On 12/11/18 at about 10PM WPD received a report of a vehicle crash on Rose at Canterbury Rds. When officers arrived they learned that the at-fault driver fled the scene on foot after saying something about having a warrant. The 42yo female from Strongsville was located a short distance away. Not only did she smell strongly of an alcoholic beverage, she was in possession of marijuana. The female refused field sobriety tests and explained the collision by stating that the other driver was driving too slowly so she ran into the rear of the vehicle. She was arrested and offered a breath test which she also refused. The uncooperative suspect was charged with OVI, hit-skip, Refusing a chemical test after a prior OVI conviction, failure to maintain assured clear distance, and possession of marijuana.

Ginch Part 1

On 12/9/18 WPD received 2 reports of thefts from customers’ lockers at L.A. Fitness at Crocker Park. Both male victims had cash taken from secured lockers. 2 petty theft reports were taken.

Holiday Mayhem

On 12/9/18 at approx. 1:30AM WPD received a report of an altercation in the parking lot of Dave and Busters on First St. Officer arrived and separated a male and female who were still yelling at each other. Neither party would calm down even after officers arrived and both appeared to be highly intoxicated. The male half also had an active warrant from another agency. Both the male, a 29yo from North Ridgeville, and the female, a 27yo from Lakewood, were taken into custody for disorderly conduct while intoxicated. The female earned an additional charge of misdemeanor resisting arrest after she resisted being handcuffed and attempted to bite one of the officers.

BEWARE CRAIGSLIST SCAMS

Westlake Police are reporting multiple Craigslist scams and advise citizen to be careful in their purchasing habits. Here are the reports:

On 12/12/18 a male came to WPD to report that he had his BMW listed for sale on Craigslist. He received an offer from a male, supposedly from Cincinnati, who was interested in the car. When the Westlake victim received a check in the mail for over asking price, it was explained that the extra was for shipping costs. The “buyer” asked that almost $1000 be sent to a person in California via Western Union to set up towing. After the victim sent the money, he learned that the original check was no good. The victim still had the vehicle but was out the wired money.

Later on 12/12, another person was at the station to report that she responded to an advertisement on Craigslist for a house for rent in Colorado. The victim corresponded to a person via gmail and was even provided a sublease document to sign. The complainant ended up sending over $2000 via wire transfer. When the keys to the house did not arrive, the victim began to research what was going on. It turns out the house was actually for rent on Zillow, but none of the persons whom the victim had communicated with were the actual owners or brokers.

***Officer’s note: be cautious when buying or selling on Craigslist or other online market places. If the buyer pays over asking price and asks for return cash or the purchase of gift cards it is probably a scam. Double check properties for sale or rent on these sites as well.***