WEST SHORE BLUES: The Best of the Beats

Welcome, Students!

A Big Thank You to the Kindergarten from the Westside Christian Academy who stopped by the police station Friday to say hello. They received the grand tour. Come back any time! We know they enjoyed the visit here way more than their tour of the fire department, say Police!

Heroin Suspected in I-90 Multiple Wreck

Heroin use and driving while intoxicated are suspected in a frightening multiple-vehicle crash that took place in I-90 in Westlake on Nov. 10.

Police were alerted at approx. 6:45 p.m. when a concerned citizen called in a reckless Toyota on I-90 W/B entering Westlake. Supposedly, the vehicle was driving close to 100 mph.

“Soon after, we received several calls of a serious crash on I-90 W/B after Columbia,” report Police. “The roadway had to be shut down as 4 vehicles were strewn across all of the lanes.”

It turned out that the incident was actually 2 separate crashes. The reported Toyota struck another vehicle, which spun them both out. As traffic was slowing to avoid the original collision, another vehicle struck a slowing vehicle from behind.

The driver of the Toyota caused the first crash and appeared to be very lethargic to the investigating officers. The 44 year old Bay Village resident was nodding off and eventually admitted to using heroin. He was transported to the hospital for minor injuries before being brought back to the Westlake Jail. The male, who had a suspended license, was charged with OVI, Driving under suspension, and felony possession of heroin for the off white powder found in his possession.

The driver of the striking vehicle in the 2nd MVA was highly intoxicated, say Police. She, too, was transported to the hospital for minor injuries. She submitted to a urine test of which the results are pending. The 23yo Avon Lake resident was charged with failure to maintain assured clear distance and OVI. The roadway was closed for over an hour while the vehicles and debris were cleaned up.

More DUIs

With the holidays approaching, it makes sense to drive ever more carefully. Here are two more accident reports with substance abuse allegedly to blame:

‘On 11/13/19 at approx. 8:15PM officers responded to a 3 car MVA on Clague at Center Ridge. It was a usual ‘following too close and failure to stop in time’ collision except that the driver who began the chain of events denied even being in a crash. Another clue was that he struggled to make complete sentences and stumbled when he walked. The 35yo Rocky River resident was field tested and arrested for OVI. Luckily no one had to be transported to the hospital. At the WPD jail the arrested driver refused a breath test.

On 11/14/19 at approx. 2:15PM officers responded to a report of a crash on I-90 W/B east of Crocker Rd. While investigating the 2 car MVA, officers noticed that the at fault driver appeared to be under the influence. Investigation also revealed narcotics paraphernalia in the male’s vehicle. The at fault driver, a 34yo from Amherst, was transported to the hospital with possible injuries. He was cited with OVI and failure to maintain assured clear distance.

Running a Red Light

On 11/2/19 at approx 11:15PM officers were dispatched to an accident on Detroit at Cahoon Rds. While investigating the 2 car collision, the police officers noticed that a female who was suspected of running the red light at the intersection was also slurring her speech. The 32yo Westlake resident was field tested and arrested for OVI. At the Westlake jail she refused a breath test. The other driver involved had possible injuries but did not want to go to the hospital.

Drug Use, Firearm in Car

On 11/2/19 at approx. 7PM an officer initiated a traffic stop at Crocker and Detroit for a traffic violation. The officer detected signs of recent drug use in the vehicle and while speaking with the occupants, learned that there was a loaded firearm in the car as well.

The driver, a CCW permit holder, did not notify the officer as required by law. The 52yo Maple Hts resident was placed into custody and later charged with misdemeanor improper handling of a firearm. The passenger was sent on their way.

Sign-Waver is Wanted Man!

On 11/3/19 at about 1PM, WPD received a call from a male who was hired as a “sign waver” at the corner of Columbia and Detroit Rds. He reported that he had been in an altercation with a property owner in the area and claimed that the other party ripped up his sign. Officers spoke with all involved and discovered that the property owner did not want signs posted on their grass. The sign waver, an 18yo male from Cleveland, was found to be wanted out of Brevard County in Florida for Grand Theft. He was arrested and brought to jail to await extradition.

Ground Works Ripped Off

On 11/4/19 at approx 11pm WPD received a call from Ground Works on Canterbury Rd, a local business. They learned through a GPS notification that one of their trucks was speeding in Cleveland. This was alarming because no employees of the business were working at the time. Using the GPS, the stolen truck was soon found abandoned in Cleveland. The power equipment that had been in the truck was missing however. Later in the day, a search warrant was executed on a storage unit in Cleveland where the missing truck had stopped before being abandoned. The stolen construction equipment was recovered. Investigators are still following up with leads on the identities of those involved in the thefts.

Rx Drop Off Box

Westlake PD has a 24/7 Operation Medicine Cabinet drop box for unwanted or unused prescription medications. Don’t flush them (they get into the water supply) nor keep them in the medicine cabinet (they are susceptible to theft or misuse by family or visitors). The drop box is to the right of the station’s front door.

Medical Staff Assault

On 11/6/19 at approx. 6:15PM officers were dispatched to the St John Medical center ER for an assault. A staff person was struck in the face by a patient. The patient was still being treated in the hospital so a report was taken for felony assault.

Food For Fines

November 15-December 31, The Bay Village Police Department is partnering with the Bay Food Ministry to accept unexpired NON-PERISHABLE food items in lieu of monetary payment for PARKING VIOLATION FINES (UP TO $25— does not include Handicap and Fire Lane— any additional fine over $25 must be in cash). Donations will be accepted at BVPD at 1 item = $5 in payment. Founded at Bay Presbyterian Church in 1989, Bay Food Ministry serves individuals and families who live or work in Bay Village who are in need of food assistance. Last year BFM distributed 47,392 pounds of food! There is a regular need for cereal, cans of tuna or chicken, canned soup and toilet paper. If you would like to donate (without the parking ticket!) donations will be accepted in the lobby of the police department 24/7. Thanks for your support in the endeavor! – BVPD

Daytime Burglary

Bay Village Police were dispatched to the 30000 block of Ashton Lane on report of a burglary on Nov. 4. The residents had arrived home from work when they discovered that someone had made entry through rear slider doors. Numerous items were taken and the case is being investigated by the BVPD Detective Bureau.

The BVPD would like to warn residents that the majority of burglaries occur during the daytime. Suspects that break in will usually take small items, such as cash, jewelry, and medication. We highly encourage residents that if they see something suspicious, to please call BVPD right away. We can be reached at the non-emergency number at 440-871-1234 or at 911. Bay Village Police also provide free home security surveys. Specially trained officers will come to your home and perform a free home security survey, giving helpful advice to keep your family and property safe. Please email Sgt. Robert Gillespie at rgillespie@cityofbayvillage.com to make an appointment.

Asleep in the Car

On 11/9/19 at approx. midnight a concerned and observant resident of Donna Dr called to report a suspicious occupied vehicle parked on the street for over an hour. Officers arrived to find a female passed out in the back seat. The intoxicated female explained that she had been in a fight with her boyfriend and decided to sleep in the vehicle. The 22yo Amherst resident was arrested for Disorderly Conduct while Intoxicated and was transported to the Westlake jail to sleep it off.

Purses Snatched

On 11/9/19 an employee of Steinmart on Center Ridge reported a theft of a purse. A white male with tattoos grabbed a purse in the store and then immediately attempted to return the $34.99 item. When refused, the male left with the purse. Officers are following up.

On 11/9/19 at about 9:30PM an employee of a store at Crocker Park reported that her wallet was stolen from her purse while she was at work. The credit cards from the wallet had already been used. Officers are following up with Target in Avon and the Macy’s in North Olmsted to develop further leads.

Red Roof Inn

On 11/10/19 at about 1:15PM, officers discovered that a female was staying at the Red Roof Inn who was wanted out of 3 cities including Westlake. Investigation led them to a room at the hotel where the 41yo Cleveland resident was taken into custody. She was wanted for passing bad checks.