WEST SHORE BLUES: The Best of the Beats

Beware Health Insurance Scams

Every fall, the Federal Trade Commission warns that health insurance scams pick up during Open Enrollment. Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and Marketplace enrollment begins Nov. 1.

When you search online for a new plan, scammers can pay to appear at the top of the results, above the real government sites. Watch for “Ad” or “Sponsored” results, web addresses without .gov, and anyone asking for your Medicare number. Skip the ads and type Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov yourself. These crimes are designed to work on smart people. Not sure a caller or plan is real? Exit your web browser and navigate to a .gov site.

Already paid? Call now. You won’t be judged, and fast reports help. In an Emergency dial 911. Westlake Police is here to help you in confidence. You may also file a report at https://www.ftc.gov

Emergency ID Tag for Car Seats

After a car crash, a young child may not be able to tell first responders a name, a parent’s phone number or a medical need. The ROTH ID TAG is an emergency ID tag for car seats that holds the child’s name and emergency contacts. In an emergency, first responders can tear the tag off the seat and turn the tag into a wristband designed to stay with the child. Fill out the tag, register at rothidtag.com, and keep the tag on a visible, hard surface of the car seat, away from warning labels. The tags are available from several common stores as well as online.

In an Emergency dial 911. Westlake Police is here to help families travel with peace of mind.

‘Grappler’ Comes to Westlake

Criminals beware! Westlake Police have installed several “Grappler” devices on cruisers. Training was completed last week. WPD officers are prepared to end dangerous vehicle pursuits quickly when criminals choose to put the general public, officers and themselves in danger.

Reckless Jeep

On 9/19/26 at about 10:30PM, Westlake Police received a call from a concerned citizen reporting that they saw a reckless white Jeep which was swerving and striking the curbs. A Westlake officer located the described SUV on Center Ridge in the area of Dover Center. The suspect vehicle quickly turned onto Glenmore where the officer attempted to stop the driver. The vehicle continued on but did not make the turn at Bassett. The Jeep drove over tree lawns while continuing to ignore the lights and sirens of the cruiser. The driver failed to yield as he continued N/B on Dover Center. The suspect abruptly stopped in front of Lee Burneson School. WPD cruisers blocked in the Jeep in case the driver decided to flee again. The man driving appeared unsteady on his feet when he stepped from the vehicle. He also was slurring his speech while talking to the officers. The 54yo Westlake man was arrested and charged with Failure to Comply (fleeing), OVI, driving upon tree lawns and failure to maintain a marked lane. He refused a breath test.

Observant Clerk

On 9/21/26 at approx. 1PM, WPD received a call from an observant clerk at a Westlake convenience store reporting that a customer was inside attempting to put cash into a crypto currency ATM machine. The experienced clerk believed the 45yo woman was being scammed. The employees were able to convince the woman she was in the middle of a scam before officers arrived. The victim explained that she received a call from a private number and she did not answer. The person called back within a few minutes. The victim answered this time. The man on the phone identified himself as a Lieutenant with a police department and said that he worked for a judge. The fake Lt. told the victim that she had missed notices to appear in federal court for jury duty. Now the judge was issuing a fine due to the infraction. She was transferred to other official sounding people who guided her to take out cash from her bank and drive to the Crypto Currency ATM in Westlake. The scammers provided QR codes of Bit Coin Wallets and stayed on the phone as the victim began to deposit the cash as instructed. The woman deposited $1,950 before she was stopped. Reports note that the investigation revealed that $652 of this was assessed by the company that operated the machine, Athena. The rest was immediately transferred to scammer wallets. Detectives are working on attempting to trace the funds and possibly freezing the accounts. The victim was advised to seek a refund of the ill gotten transactions fees.

Shoplifters Nabbed

On 9/21/26 at approx. 7:30PM, employees of Lululemon called to report that 2 woman and 1 man had fled the store with almost $1700 worth of merchandise. They had not paid for anything and ran off toward Crocker Rd. A vehicle was not seen. Officers searched the area but could not find the trio of shoplifters. A theft report was taken. Detectives and officers followed up and obtained video of the thieves as they entered a car. Flock license plate readers captured the plate. Officers and security officials in the area were advised to look out for this Honda Accord which had been used as the get-away vehicle. On 9/22/26 at about 12:20PM, officers learned that the car was back in the area. As marked cruisers and unmarked detective vehicles converged, WPD received a call from employees of Ulta Beauty reporting that they just had a “Major theft.” 3 women and 1 man had fled the store with over $3,300 in merchandise. Officers found the original Honda as it fled the area of Ulta and headed toward I90. It appeared that the car was not going to stop but luckily was blocked in by stopped traffic. Immediately, a man and woman jumped out of the car and fled on foot. Some officers chased them on foot while others stayed with the vehicle. The sprinters were soon found hiding in a dumpster enclosure behind businesses in the area of Crocker and Detroit. They were identified as 2 – 14yo children from Cleveland. 3 adult females stayed seated in the Honda. All of the stolen Ulta Beauty products were found inside. The 3 adults were arrested and transported to jail. All listed Cleveland addresses. Two were 28 years old while the 3rd was 27. The children were detained until their parents could pick them up. All were charged with Felony Theft. Investigators are matching up surveillance footage from the 2 days to determine which persons were also involved in the Lululemon theft.

Suspicious Vehicle Arrest

On 9/23/26 at about 4:30PM, officers on patrol noticed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of Nordstrom Rack. The license plate belonged to a construction business, which was quickly determined to be fraudulent. Research indicated that a man associated with the address had a suspended license. Officers waited in the area until the occupants drove away. The vehicle was stopped at Crocker and Detroit. The driver did have a suspended driver’s license. The passenger also was not a valid driver. Investigation revealed that the duo had brand new items from Nordstrom Rack. They were not in a bag and no receipt was found. The officers also noted that the anti-theft devices were still attached. Cut straws, white crystal like substance and burnt tin foil were also recovered. The men, a 60yo from Northfield, OH and a 41yo from Dayton, were arrested. Both were charged with possession of methamphetamine. Additional charges of receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia will be recommended to the county grand jury. Misidentification will also be presented as the driver gave a fake name and date of birth to the officers when stopped.

Motorcycle Crash

On 9/29/26 at about 7:30AM, WPD and Westlake Fire responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a Chevy Trax in the intersection of Westwood and Columbia Rds.  Luckily only minor injuries were reported although the operator of the Harley was transported to the hospital.  Investigation revealed that the 17yo operator of the SUV failed to yield when turning left.  The boy was cited.

Talking to Rocks

On 9/30/26 at approx. 9:15AM, WPD received a report of a woman who was reportedly wandering around the parking lot of the Wyndham Garden Inn on Crocker Rd. since 4AM.  Staff reported that the woman was “talking to rocks,” and they suspected that she was “on something.”  They knew the woman was pregnant and had a room at the hotel.  Officers found the described female outside the hotel sifting through a rock bed.  A man was standing nearby looking at his cell phone.  Officers spoke with both persons in an attempt to find out what was happening.  The woman gave the officers a fake name and explained that she was trying to assemble a centerpiece for the hotel where she was staying with her boyfriend.  She said that this was the same guy who was standing nearby when the officers arrived.  The man denied even knowing the woman.  Once the pair’s identities were discovered, the officers noted that the woman was the subject of a court issued no contact order from a domestic violence incident in North Ridgeville.  The 29yo North Ridgeville man was not supposed to be around the 32yo Brunswick woman.  The man was also found to be in possession of a crack pipe.  He was arrested and charged with obstructing official business along with possession of drug paraphernalia.  The woman was transported to the hospital due to her self proclaimed pregnancy complications.  She was charged with misidentification.  Several local police agencies were advised of the woman’s transport as they had active warrants for her as well.

Locked Out and Intoxicated

On 10/1/26 at about 5:30PM, officers were called to the Red Roof Inn on Clemens for an altercation.  A woman, described as intoxicated by the hotel clerk, had entered the lobby to report that she had been assaulted by her boyfriend at the hotel and was currently locked out of the room by him.  Officers responded and spoke with the parties.  Both the man and woman had visible non-life threatening injuries from the altercation.  Both appeared intoxicated.  Both were placed under arrest for domestic violence and were transported to jail.  The man, a 49yo out of Cleveland, was charged with felony domestic violence (DV) due to a prior DV conviction in Euclid.  The woman, a 33yo who listed a last permanent address of Maple Heights, was charged with misdemeanor DV.

Causing Disturbances

On 10/1/26 at approx. 7PM, officers were called to the Red Roof Inn on Clemens for another incident.  The employees reported that they had asked a female guest to leave the hotel after she had been causing disturbances.  The 68yo suspect who last listed a Cleveland Hts address, had been swearing at the clerks along with other guests at the motel while complaining about the room.  The woman told the officers that she was refusing to vacate the premises.  She was placed into custody for criminal trespass.  Her room deposit was returned by the motel and she was transported to jail with her belongings.  The Red Roof Inn indicated that she was put on the “Do not Rent” list and was no longer welcome on the property.  She was later released with a court date to appear in Rocky River Municipal Court.

Distracted by Music

On 10/2/26 at about 1AM, an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle on Center Ridge at Westwood after witnessing it drive left of center.  The female driver explained the poor operation by saying that she was distracted by music in the car.  The 48yo Westlake resident appeared intoxicated and admitted “I’ve done a couple of drinks” when asked.  The driver was field tested and arrested for OVI.  At the jail, she submitted to a breath test which revealed that she was almost 2 and 1/2 times over the legal limit.  She was charged with OVI, having a prohibited breath alcohol content and failure to maintain marked lanes.  She was later released to a sober ride.

Juvenile Mischief

On September 20, 2026 at 12:54 pm, a resident in the area of Russell and Upland contacted Bay Village Police to report a suspicious circumstance. On 09/20/2026 at approximately 0245 hours, the resident reported that his security cameras captured several juveniles running up his driveway while carrying a step ladder. The juveniles attempted to take the resident’s ladder but fled the property without it. No property was reported stolen or damaged. The incident appeared to involve juvenile mischief. The homeowner was advised that the incident would be documented.

Active Warrant

On September 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm, A male and a family member came to the department to inquire about a current investigation. During the inquiry, it was determined that the male had an active warrant out of Olmsted Township. The male was detained while the warrant was verified. OTPD confirmed the warrant and advised they would respond to North Olmsted PD to take custody of the male. BVPD transported the male to North Olmsted PD and turned him over to OTPD custody without incident.

Spooked by AI

On September 23, 2026 at 10:00 am, A resident contacted BVPD and was highly agitated regarding concerns involving artificial intelligence. BVPD was dispatched to the resident’s residence on Huntmere to speak with him. The resident was provided information regarding current scams and was reassured that he was safe and okay. The resident was advised to remain cautious of potential scams and to contact BVPD if additional concerns arose.

Facing Charges

On September 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm, BVPD observed a vehicle being operated with registration that had been expired since 10/2025. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was found to have a suspended driver’s license. The driver was issued citations for expired registration and driving under suspension. The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene. The male will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Traffic Complaints

On September 23, 2026 at 2:30 pm, BVPD received multiple complaints regarding traffic congestion and parking violations in the area of Osborn Road and Dover Center Road during school dismissal at St. Raphael School. The complaints involved parents double-parking on both sides of the roadway and blocking residential driveways. BVPD monitored the area during school dismissal and observed two violations. The BVPD would like to reminder motorists to refrain from double-parking on either side of the roadway and to avoid blocking residential driveways.

Driving Thru Yards

On September 23, 2026 at 3:00 pm, BVPD received a call regarding a vehicle driving through yards in the area of Parkside and Lake Road. BVPD responded and located the vehicle in question. The driver stated that he accidentally depressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to travel through his fencing and across Lake Road. The male was issued a citation for failure to control. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Scammed for 5 Grand

On September 23, 2026 at 5:45 pm, A resident came to the BVPD lobby to report being scammed out of approximately $5,000. The resident stated they were selling a boat through a paid online website when an unknown individual contacted them posing as a potential buyer. The individual sent the resident two fraudulent checks, which the resident was instructed to deposit. The resident subsequently discovered the checks were fraudulent and reported the loss. BVPD is investigating the incident.

Fled from Police

On September 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm, A BVPD unit on patrol observed a motorcycle displaying no registration while passing other vehicles in the designated bicycle lane. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the motorcycle operator failed to stop and fled from police. Officers followed until the motorcycle exited the city via Columbia Road and entered I-90 eastbound.

Active Warrants

On September 24, 2026 at 9:39 am, BVPD observed a traffic violation in the area of Columbia Road and Eaton Way. A traffic stop was conducted on the box truck. Upon speaking with the driver and passenger, officers determined that the passenger had active felony warrants through the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). The male was detained while the warrants were verified. After confirmation, BVPD transported the male to the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and turned him over to their custody. The driver was issued a warning regarding required brake lights and applicable marijuana laws.

Coyote Scare

On September 24, 2026 at 11:15 am, BVPD was dispatched to a backyard in the area of Osborn Road and Forest Road for a report of a coyote that had been lying down and had not moved for an extended period of time. BVPD responded and located the coyote. Upon officers approaching, the coyote ran from the area and displayed no apparent signs of injury or illness. No further action was required.

Phone Scam

On September 24, 2026 at 3:00 pm, a resident responded to BVPD to report a theft. The resident stated they purchased a cell phone from an individual and believed the phone was unlocked. After taking the phone home, the resident discovered that the phone was still locked and could not be used as expected. The resident contacted the seller, who advised that they would resolve the issue. The seller subsequently resold the phone and failed to return the resident’s money. BVPD is investigating the incident.

Possible Overdose

On September 24, 2026 at 3:44 pm, BVPD and Westcom received a call regarding a female who was reportedly down in a private park in the area of Cliff Road/Clague Road. BVPD responded and located the female unresponsive with signs consistent with a possible overdose. The female regained consciousness and refused medical treatment from BVFD.

Due to the female’s condition, she was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct while intoxicated. During a search of the female, officers located suspected narcotics. The female was transported to BVPD, where a field test was conducted on the suspected narcotics and returned a positive result. The female was booked and held overnight. She was charged with disorderly conduct while intoxicated (DCI) and a felony drug offense. The female was arraigned via Zoom through Rocky River Municipal Court and pleaded guilty to the DCI charge. The felony drug charge was bound over to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, where she will face further proceedings.

OVI Suspension

On September 25, 2026 at 12:29 am, BVPD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle whose listed owner was found to be under an OVI suspension. The registered owner/driver was issued a citation for driving under suspension. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and the driver’s license was seized. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Scammed for $7000

On September 25, 2026 at 6:18 pm, A resident responded to BVPD to report that she had fallen victim to a scam. The female stated she received a phone call from an individual who identified themselves as a member of Geek Squad. The caller advised the female that she was overdue on a payment and instructed her to send money through cryptocurrency. The female reported losing approximately $7,000 as a result of the scam. BVPD is investigating the incident.

Check Fraud

On September 26, 2026 at 10:08 am, A resident responded to BVPD to report a fraud. The resident stated they hired a pest control company and paid for the services by check. The resident later discovered that the check had been altered and that funds had been withdrawn from their account without authorization. BVPD is investigating the incident.

Scam Reported

On September 27, 2026 at 4:00 pm, A resident responded to the station to report a suspected fraud. The resident stated that after fueling their vehicle at Speedway on Columbia in Bay, they received alerts from their bank regarding fraudulent activity on their account. The fraudulent charges originated in Florida and totaled more than $3,000. BVPD officers responded to Speedway to check for possible card skimming devices. Officers located no skimming devices at the location. Speedway personnel also advised that no other customers had reported similar incidents. The resident stated that their bank advised the fraudulent charges would be reimbursed. Police are investigating.

Active Warrant

On September 28, 2026 at 11:56 am, Westlake PD contacted BVPD and advised they were conducting a traffic stop involving a female who had an active warrant through BVPD. The warrant was confirmed, and a BVPD unit responded to the traffic stop to take custody of the female. The female was transported to the BVPD jail, where she was booked and subsequently released on bond. She is facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Embarrassing Moment

On September 30, 2026 at 3:20 am, BVPD observed two vehicles parked near Chatty’s Pizza, both of which were running. As officers approached the vehicles, two individuals were found in the backseat of one of the vehicles. The male entered the driver’s seat and finished getting dressed. Upon speaking with the parties, officers suspected the individuals were under the influence. The male was offered standardized field sobriety testing and subsequently placed under arrest for physical control. The male was transported to the BVPD jail. He was given an opportunity to provide a breath sample, which he agreed to provide. The breath test yielded a BAC of 0.048%. The 19-year-old male was charged with physical control, operation under OVI suspension, disorderly conduct; intoxicated and open container. Both parties were released to a sober adult at BVPD. The male will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Bad Night

On September 30, 2026 at 5:20 am, A male responded to the station to pick up a party who was under the influence from a previous incident. Upon running the male’s information, officers discovered that his driver’s license was suspended. The male was issued a citation for Driving Under Suspension, and his vehicle was impounded. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Taken into Custody

On September 30, 2026 at 9:00 am, As part of an ongoing investigation, BVPD detectives responded to an address in Bay to serve an arrest warrant. The female was taken into custody and transported to the BVPD jail, where she was booked and subsequently released on bond.

Heinen’s Theft

On October 1, 2026 at 1:48 pm, an employee from Heinen’s responded to BVPD to report a theft. The employee stated that an older female had entered the store on several occasions and stolen merchandise. The employee advised that the store has video surveillance footage documenting the thefts. Police are investigating.

Dangerous Driver

On October 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm, BVPD officers observed a vehicle traveling northbound on Cahoon near Osborn. The vehicle accelerated and overtook several vehicles, including a truck and trailer carrying parade participants traveling to the staging area north of the traffic stop. BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Cahoon and W. Oakland. Upon making contact with the driver, officers suspected the male driver was operating the vehicle under the influence. The driver was offered standardized field sobriety testing, to which he initially agreed. After completing the eye examination portion of the test, the driver refused to participate in any further testing. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest. During the investigation, officers located an open container in the vehicle’s cup holder. The driver’s five-year-old child was present in the vehicle and was released to the child’s mother, who responded to the scene. The driver was transported to the BVPD jail for booking. He was provided with an opportunity to submit to a breath test, which he declined. The male was booked and subsequently released to a sober adult. He was charged with OVI, child endangering, open container and overtaking. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.