WEST SHORE BLUES: The Best of the Beats

Westlake PD Honors

WPD welcomes our newest Police Officer, Grant Williams. Grant was sworn in earlier this month by Mayor Clough. He comes to serve the City of Westlake with 5 years of prior law enforcement experience. Also honored today were WPD Employee of the year, Vehicle/Building Maintenance Officer Pat West and Officer of the year, PTL. Doug Cairns. Both were voted on for their awards by their peers in the department. As Chief Bielozer stated during the ceremony, all 3 men exhibit the high performer traits sought by the department including problem solving, humility, courage, empathy and a strong sense of service. Congrats to all.

National Hit and Run Awareness Month

As National Hit and Run Awareness Month continues, WPD reminds drivers and pedestrians to follow the rules of the road – for everyone’s safety. 8 Walking Safety Tips to Share with Kids:

• Find a walking buddy. Children under 10 should not be allowed to cross the street alone. Let children know who can help them cross the street safely – generally adults or siblings over the age of 12.
• Always cross at the corner or at an intersection and look left-right-left for moving cars.
• Stop, look and listen. Stay alert when you’re walking – use your eyes and ears to stay safe.
• Look for moving wheels – even if the car is silent, moving wheels mean the car is about to move or is moving.
• Always look for the walk signal and wait until it shows “Walk” before you cross. Don’t just follow the crowd – check for yourself and only cross when it’s safe.
• Always walk – do not run – across the road and keep looking left-right-left for cars while crossing.
• Some drivers may be distracted. Do not step into the roadway until the driver has stopped. If you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you – wait until you can make eye contact and the driver has stopped the car.
• Always look both ways for traffic before crossing to get on the school bus and after getting off the bus. Doing so is among the most effective ways for kids to prevent pedestrian crashes. (Source NHTSA www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety)

Multiple Violations

On February 1 at 12:09 am, a BVPD officer observed several traffic violations near Lake/Porter Creek. They conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence. The driver submitted to standardized field testing and subsequently arrested for OVI. The driver was transported back to BVPD jail to be booked. The female was charged with lanes of travel, driving a weaving course and OVI. The 24-year-old Akron resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Open Container

On February 2 at 2:00pm, a BVPD officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near Lake/Cahoon. Upon speaking with the driver and occupants, officers observed an open container, which led to a probable cause search. The driver was given a verbal warning for expired registration and an equipment violation. The passenger was issued a citation for open container. The 40-year-old Ravenna resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Banging and Barking

On February 3 at 9:55 am, a resident on Lake/Saddler called BVPD reporting an unknown male on her property. She advises the male has come to the residence on multiple occasions, yelling and banging on the door regarding her dog barking. The resident stated that video footage will be forwarded to BVPD and an investigation will be conducted.

Courtesy Ride

On February 3 at 2:35 pm, a BVPD officer conducted a traffic stop near Lake/Saddler. The listed owner was showing multiple suspensions. The officer issued the male citations and towed the vehicle. The male was given a courtesy ride into Avon Lake. The 25-year-old Lorain resident was charged with driving under suspension, unsafe vehicle and carrying various weapons. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Turn on Your Lights

On February 4 at 8:55pm, BVPD received a call from a driver who reported traffic cones at Lake/Sandalwood were a hazard after nearly striking them with his vehicle. A BVPD unit made contact with the caller and determined he was traveling without headlights, which caused the reflective barrels to appear hazardous. No signs of impairment were observed, and the caller was assisted with activating the vehicle’s headlights.

Parked Vehicles Crash

On February 4 at 9:10 pm, residents on Elmwood reported hearing a loud crashing noise in front of their residence. Upon checking outside, they observed their vehicle had been involved in a crash. BVPD responded and spoke with the at-fault party, who stated they were distracted. This led to her striking the two parked vehicles. No signs of impairment were detected. The female was issued a citation for full time and attention. The 35-year-old, North Olmsted resident will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Traffic Warrant

On February 4 at 10:08 pm, a passerby contacted BVPD to report a disabled vehicle in the southbound lane near Bradley/Walker Rd. BVPD located the vehicle and the registered owner was showing a warrant through Strongsville PD. The driver was detained while the warrant was verified. Strongsville PD confirmed the traffic warrant but advised they wouldn’t pick up. The male was advised and given a verbal warning for expired registration. A private tow was requested by the owner who was sent on their way.

Head-on Collision

On February 5 at 6:25 pm, BVPD received 911 calls for a head-on traffic collision Lake/Dover Center. BVPD and BVFD responded to the scene. All occupants were transported to local hospitals. The at fault driver was issued a citation for left of center. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Concealed Weapons

On February 5 at 9:33 pm, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Cahoon/Lincoln. The listed owner was showing expired registration and active warrants out of Mayfield Hts PD. The driver was detained while the warrants were verified. A probable cause search yielded a firearm and the male was placed under arrest for a concealed weapons violation. The male was transported to BVPD to be booked and released on personal bond. The male was then transported and turned over to Mayfield Hts PD. The 29-year-old, Cleveland resident was charged with the weapons violation and expired registration. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Threatened with Knife

On February 6 at 9:19 am, BVPD officers were dispatched to a residence on Wolf Rd for a report of a female making threats. The caller advised they were contractors backing a work van into a driveway at the time of the incident. A female driver became impatient and upset, pulled into the driveway behind the van, exited her vehicle yelling, and took a photograph of the contractors. She returned to her vehicle, then exited again armed with a knife and threatened both individuals. The female then entered her vehicle and fled westbound on Wolf Rd.

BVPD responded, obtained information for a report, and began searching for the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was located and Brook Park PD was notified. Brook Park PD responded and placed the female under arrest. BVPD responded, took custody of the female, and transported her to BVPD for booking and to be held pending a court appearance. The 27-year-old Brook Park resident was charged with aggravated menacing. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Concerned Neighbor

On February 8 at 3:30 pm, a resident on Rexford contacted BVPD reporting their new neighbors forgot to secure their home and was concerned for their property. BVPD responded and were able to secure the property.

No Solicitation

On February 12 at 4:41 pm, residents on Wellfleet Drive reported that a solicitor knocked on their door despite being on the City’s “No Knock” list. Officers responded and contacted the individual, who was identified as an employee of Breezeline. The employee was not in possession of a valid solicitor’s permit and was advised to cease soliciting activities until a permit is obtained.

Trespassers

On February 13 at 1:00 am, resident on Lake near Douglas, contacted BVPD reporting individuals trespassing on his property. The resident reported observing an unknown white male on his front porch attempting to pull on the front door handle. The resident banged on the front window, which startled the suspect. The male then fled to a gold-colored sedan occupied by a second male driver waiting. The resident advised he had to retrieve his phone to contact police and, while speaking with dispatch, was unsure of the suspects’ direction of travel. No vehicles matching the description were observed by responding officers. Officers spoke with the homeowner and are awaiting video footage of incident.

Just on a Break

On February 13 at 5:30 pm, a resident on Edinborough reporting a suspicious vehicle. BVPD responded and located the vehicle in question, making contact with the driver. The male was identified as an employee of Spectrum and takes his breaks in his vehicle. He was advised of the complaint.

Swinging Door for Inmate

On February 13 at 7:00pm, Cuyahoga County Jail contacted BVPD advising they would be releasing an inmate who had an active felony warrant through BVPD. BVPD responded to the facility, took custody of the male, and transported him back to the department to be booked and held pending arraignment on his original charges.

Multiple OVIs

On February 14 at 12:43 pm, BVPD observed a traffic violation near Wolf/Canterbury. Upon speaking to the driver, it was suspected she was under the influence. The driver submitted to standardized field testing and subsequently was arrested for OVI. The driver was transported back to BVPD jail to be booked. The driver was released to a sober adult. The 69-year-old Bay Village resident was charged with, OVI (multiple), OVI over BAC, driving under OVI suspension, marked lanes and open container. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.

Test Drive

On February 14 at 9:45 pm, a resident on Rexford reporting a suspicious van circling the block nine times. The resident followed the vehicle and advised dispatch of a possible license plate. BVPD responded the area and shortly after located the vehicle entering north bound into the city on Cahoon Rd. A traffic stop was conducted and spoke with the driver. Speaking with the juvenile driver, he informed officers he and friend changed a part on the vehicle and were test driving it in the area. He further stated after realizing a vehicle was following them, they continued driving around the area due to safety concerns and not wanting the vehicle to follow them home.