Westlake Resident Scammed for Thousands

A convincing pitch from a scam phone caller has cost a Westlake resident thousands of dollars, report Police.

On 11/15/19 at approx. 5:15PM WPD took a report from a resident about a fraud.  The victim had received a telephone call from a female with a foreign sounding accent who informed him that he had warrants for his arrest out of El Paso, Texas for money laundering and drug trafficking.  The female even had the victim’s social security number, name and address.  She said that she would assist in clearing up the matter and issuing a new social security card.  The scammers talked the victim into depositing thousands of dollars into bitcoin accounts.  

Wallets Stolen at Crocker Park

Between 11/16 and 11/17/19 WPD took several reports of stolen wallets containing credit cards from purses at various stores at Crocker Park.  

On 11/16 there was a theft from the employee room at Sur La Table.  That stolen credit card was used at Target in Avon.  

There was also a theft from a shopping customer’s purse at Nordstrom Rack.  That credit card was used at the Apple Store.  

On 11/17 there were similar thefts of credit cards from Soft Surroundings, Giant Eagle and Kirkland.  All of the credit cards were used at local stores as well.  

On 11/17/19, while following up with videos of the suspects, 3 individuals were identified as being involved.  With the help of South Euclid PD, Westlake was able to arrest individuals seen using the stolen credit cards in at least 3 of the thefts.  Two 51yo females, one from Rochester, NY, the other from Syracuse, NY and a 55yo male from Rochester, NY were arrested and charged with felony engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. 

Stolen Cat Converters

On  11/18/19 at about 7:45AM WPD received reports about stolen catalytic converters from 2 businesses on Sharon Dr.  3 converters from vehicles parked at The Welcome House and 5 converters from vehicles parked at Youth Challenge were cut off.  Investigators are following up with local scrap yards.

Apartment Fight

On 11/18/19 at about 6:30PM WPD received numerous 911 calls about a physical altercation taking place at Barrington Apartments on Detroit Rd.  Officers arrived to find 2 males physically fighting on a 2nd floor balcony.  2 females nearby were also identified as being involved in the dispute.  After separating those involved, it was determined that the fight was over a particular apartment which had apparently been subleased by one couple to the other.  A 27yo Westlake resident was arrested for felonious assault as he had inflicted serious injuries on the other male. His girlfriend, a 23yo Westlake resident was arrested for felony obstruction for trying to cover up the circumstances around the altercation.  The victim male was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

OD at Hilliard Road Residence

On 11/21/19 at approx. 3AM WPD officers and Westlake Fire responded to a report of a female who had overdosed in a home on Hilliard Blvd by Bradley Rd.  The 25yo victim was found unresponsive upon arrival and life saving measures, including narcan administration, were initiated. The victim was transported to UH St. John Medical Center.  Investigation at the house revealed that the female’s boyfriend, a 35yo Westlake resident had an active warrant from Cuyahoga County SO for a probation violation. He was arrested and transported to the Justice Center.  Investigators are following up with information learned. 

Weapons Charge

On 11/22/19 at approx. 11:15AM an officer stopped a vehicle on Crocker at Union St. for moving and equipment violations. The officer noted evidence of drug use in the vehicle.  Upon searching the car, 3 loaded firearms were located. The driver, a 29yo Lorain resident was arrested for having Weapons Under Disability. He had prior felony convictions for violent offenses as well as drug law violations.  The 37yo female passenger was cited with possession of marijuana. At the Westlake jail, a baggie of suspected crack cocaine was located on the male’s person. He will also be charged with felony conveyance of contraband into a corrections facility.