The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
Jackpot!
On 7/4/25 at approx. 8PM, an officer stopped a vehicle on Sperry Dr near the WestSpring Inn for an equipment violation. Reports show that officers noticed that the car contained numerous brand new cell phone cases scattered around the interior as well as black tape covering what appeared to be bullet holes on the exterior of the Honda sedan. A patrol K9 alerted to the vehicle and investigation revealed that the car contained suspected methamphetamine as well as scales, glass smoking pipes and a gang of empty sandwich bags. Along with the various baggies that contraband, investigators noted that 2 of the smaller baggies had safety pins through the tops. A history check showed that the male suspect, a 48yo Cleveland man, had been recently searched at a jail facility where drugs were found to be safety pinned to his underwear. The man and a female passenger, a 40yo also from Cleveland, were both arrested. They were charged with felony trafficking of Methamphetamine due to the weight of the recovered narcotics. Additional charges of possession and paraphernalia will be recommended to the county grand jury.
He Was Just Playing Cards
On 7/5/25 at about 2:45AM, a man called WPD from the Sonesta Suites on Clemens to report a missing cell phone. Officers responded to the hotel to investigate and learned that the victim’s phone went missing at about 9PM the previous evening when he was playing cards at a picnic table with “unknown” males. It was now pinging on E40th St in Cleveland. A report was generated. Later in the day, at about 5PM, the man pulled his Toyota Camry into the restricted area of the police parking lot and was walking toward the employee door to the PD when an officer stopped to see if he needed help. The 45yo who lists a Westlake hotel as a home address indicated he was at the station to again talk about his missing phone. The officers noted that the driver appeared highly intoxicated. He was field tested and arrested for OVI. The man admitted he had a sheathed knife in his cargo pocket. He did not tell the officers that he had another knife stashed in his underwear until he was searched incident to his arrest. Both knives were recovered and the man was walked to the Westlake Jail. He was charged with OVI and his vehicle was towed out of the WPD cruiser parking area.
An Honest Man
On 7/7/25 at approx. 2:50AM, officers stopped a vehicle leaving the WestSpring Inn after learning that the owner of the car had an active warrant for his arrest out of Lakewood. The owner was in fact driving and was placed into custody. Investigation revealed that the man also possessed 5 pills in a small baggie along with baggies of suspected marijuana and a scale. The honest 25yo from Garfield Hts admitted he only used the scale to sell marijuana and bought the pills thinking they were Percocet. He told the officers that he had a suspicion that they were actually Fentanyl though so he hadn’t “tried them yet.” The vehicle was turned over to the female passenger and the driver was transported to the Westlake Jail where he was charged with felony possession.
Out Behind the Wheel
On 7/11/25 at approx. 4AM, an officer on patrol noticed a vehicle stopped in the middle of Clague Rd in the area of Belmont. The brake lights were illuminated but the car was stationary for an unknown reason. After stopping to check on the suspicious condition the officer found that the operator was passed out behind the wheel of the running vehicle. To make matters more alarming, the man had a firearm tucked in his waistband. WPD units blocked in the car to limit the possibility of a vehicle pursuit when the driver revived. Using loud speakers and drones, the officers tried for several minutes to wake the man up so he could follow instructions. The de-escalation technique of creating time and distance between the threat and the officers involved worked well because when the man did groggily step from the car and reached for the handgun to throw it in the back seat, his actions were monitored by drone camera while the officers remained behind cover. The man did comply with orders and was taken into custody without further incident. The driver, a 33yo Maple Heights resident, was transported to the Westlake Jail where he refused a breath test. Reports note that he had 2 prior convictions for OVI. His license was immediately suspended and he was charged with a new OVI, Using weapons while intoxicated, Carrying a Concealed weapon and stopping in the roadway.
He Tossed the Baggie
On 7/18/25 at approx. 3AM, officers stopped a vehicle on Clague Rd just into Bay Village for traffic violations. As the officers were initiating the traffic stop, they witnessed the passenger throw a then unknown object from the passenger door window. Before the car actually stopped, the officers noted that the passenger also threw a pipe from the window as well. As the officers were speaking with the occupants of the car, who denied any knowledge of quickly thrown items, additional WPD officers found suspected methamphetamine on the roadway where the passenger not so slyly threw the baggie. The passenger, a 50yo from Cleveland, had several active warrants for his arrest through varying jurisdictions including one for felony aggravated drug possession. He was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence along with possession of felony drugs and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia. The driver, who confirmed witnessing the passenger throw objects hastily from the car, was uninvolved and was released from the scene with a warning for the traffic violations.
Motorcycle Crash
On 7/23/25 at about 4PM, Westlake Police and Westlake Fire responded to the report of a motorcycle crash on Center Ridge Rd just west of Bradley. Reportedly, the motorcycle struck a van and the rider was thrown over the hood of the other vehicle. The male rider was seriously injured but was wearing a helmet and is expected to make a recovery. He was transported to UH St. John Medical Center where he was reportedly Life Flighted to UH Main Campus for more advanced care. Investigation revealed the motorcycle operator was at fault. Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected as being a factor in the crash.
Stumbling & Mumbling
On 7/25/25 at about 1:45PM, WPD received a call from a concerned citizen who witnessed a male walking on the sidewalk of Crocker Rd in the area of Detroit. The caller witnessed the man stumbling off the sidewalk into traffic and was concerned for his welfare. Officers found the man stumbling around the parking lot of a business at Crocker and Detroit. They noted that he was mumbling to himself and was staggering side to side. They stopped to investigate and noted that the 38yo Westlake man was nodding off when talking to them. He was also found to have a warrant from Parma PD from a past drug related arrest. The man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct while intoxicated – unable to care for himself. He was checked by paramedics in the Westlake Jail while he awaited a sober person to pick him up.
Car vs. Utility Pole
On 7/28/25 at approx. 12:30PM, officers responded to a report of a vehicle vs a utility pole on Detroit Rd just east of Crocker. While investigating the 1 vehicle crash, officers detected signs of drug use in the vehicle and questioned the driver. The 19yo Westlake man said that suspension work was recently completed on the vehicle and something must have gone wrong mechanically which caused him to lose control. Investigation revealed that the man had no driver’s license and was in possession of white rocks in a baggie which the man admitted was cocaine. He was arrested and charged with felony drug possession as well as failure to control and operating without a license. CEI inspected the pole to determine if repairs were necessary.
Only “a Smidget!”
On 7/29/25 at about 1:15AM, officers stopped a vehicle on I90 W/B into Avon after witnessing it weaving. The operator appeared to be intoxicated and admitted to drinking but said it was only “a smidget.” The female had also been smoking marijuana earlier in the day. The 36yo Lorain woman was field tested and arrested for OVI. Reports note that the driver’s 9yo child was in the back seat when the car was stopped. Officers gave the child and the adult passenger a ride to the police department to wait for a sober person to pick them up. The vehicle was towed from the highway and the operator was transported to the Westlake Jail. She was found to be over 2 times the legal limit after the driver submitted to a breath test. The female was cited with OVI and weaving as well as child endangering. She was later released to a sober ride.
Against Medical Advice
On 7/29/25 at approx. 10AM, officers responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash in the parking lot of a dental center on Crocker Rd. Investigation revealed that a patient of the dental office had struck a parked car in the lot. The female operator, a 59yo Huron resident, had received medication for a procedure and was not supposed to be operating a vehicle. Against medical advice, she had taken the medication before driving to her appointment. Officers’ reports note that the female appeared impaired when they spoke with her. She admitted that she was advised to have a driver take her to and from the appointment. The woman was field tested and arrested for OVI.
Unpaid Traffic Ticket
On 7/30/25 at about 1:15AM officers stopped a vehicle after it pulled into the parking lot of the WestSpring Inn. The passenger, a 24yo Cleveland woman, was found to have a warrant out of Brookpark PD for not taking care of a prior traffic ticket. She was arrested and later turned over to BPD. A child of the arrested person was in the car and was turned over to the driver, the child’s uncle. The driver was warned for traffic violations and sent on his way.
Hole in His Head
On 7/30/25 at approx. 2:35PM, WPD learned that the Lorain County Sheriff Dept (LCSO) was in pursuit of a stolen black Nissan sedan on I90 E/B. Rocky River and Westlake Units assisted as the Nissan exited at Detroit in Rocky River and proceeded back W/B on I90. The suspect vehicle exited at Crocker and stopped on Clemens Rd in the area of Sonesta Suites. The suspect refused to exit the vehicle and held a cordless drill to his head after wrapping it in a towel in an apparent attempt to make it look like a firearm. Deputies had pursued the man throughout the day for charges of abduction of a female and burglary of a residence in Lorain. Officers used tactics and drones to isolate and watch the man as additional units including WEB SWAT was deployed. Officers attempted to negotiate with the man to no avail. He made comments about wanting to die while he smoked suspected narcotics. A Westlake PD K9 officer was eventually deployed and took the man into custody with minimal injury. The 32yo Amherst man was transported to UH St. John Medical Center in the custody of LCSO. LCSO is handling the investigation and charges for the pursuit and stolen car. The roadway was reopened at approx. 3:45PM.
Throwing Sand
On July 7 at 2:40 pm, BVPD was dispatched to the Play-in-Bay playground. A female reported her two-year-old threw sand in the air which blew into another’s child’s face. The female was talking with her child when she was accosted by two other mothers over the incident and felt insulted by their comments. The two other mom’s felt the caller needed to pay attention better to her child. The parties were advised to keep to themselves while their children continued to play.
Under the Influence
On July 8 at 8:48 pm, BVPD observed a traffic violation on Columbia Road near the railroad tracks. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence. The driver submitted to standardized field sobriety testing and was subsequently arrested for OVI. The driver was brought back to BVPD jail to be booked. The driver refused a breath sample and was released to a sober adult. The 46-year-old Bay Village resident was charged with OVI, OVI refusal and squealing tires. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Her Cat was Fed
On July 9 at 11:34 am, a resident responded to BVPD lobby to speak with an officer over an incident. The resident was upset that a neighbor had taken her cat into their home and fed it. The resident wanted the neighbor to stop. The neighbor admitted feeding and taking the cat into her home, due to feeling bad for the cat. The reporting party was advised about laws regarding animal at large.
Tennis Court Harassment
On July 9 at 9:00 pm, a male on 911 reported juveniles in a vehicle near the tennis courts (Dover Center) were harassing him and his mother while playing tennis. The male was highly upset and tried to follow the suspect vehicle but could not find them in the area. Police investigated, speaking with the caller and reviewing video footage of the incident. Unfortunately, the license plate was unreadable. Officers checked the area but could not locate the suspect vehicle. The caller was advised.
After Hours
On July 10 at 2:30 am, while BVPD was on patrol they observed a young male without a shirt on a bicycle. BVPD stopped and talked with the male who confirmed he was a minor. His parents were contacted, and he was given a verbal warning for minor’s curfew and rode his bike home.
Dirt Bikes at Huntington
On July 11 at 11:21 am, Cleveland Metropark Police requested mutual aid for five juveniles riding motorized bikes near their concession stand and beach. BVPD responded and located the individuals on the walking path. Two of the juveniles were riding electric dirt bikes without pedals and one riding a class 2 e bike. The two were advised of the laws and to take the dirt bikes home immediately.
Dog Bite
On July 11 at 4:27 pm, a male called BVPD to report he and his wife were out for a walk when his wife was bitten by a dog. Further, he was enroute with her to the hospital. Police responded to the location where the dog was staying. Police eventually spoke with the homeowner, who advised she was watching her son’s dog. The homeowner explained that the dog was on a leash at the time of the incident but did jump and bite the victim. She was cited and was told the dog had to be quarantined for a period of time due to the bite. She will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
OVI & Weapons
On July 11 at 11:35 pm, a BVPD unit observed a traffic violation near Lake Road and Lake Forest Drive. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence. The male refused all standardized testing and placed under arrest for OVI. The male was brought back to BVPD jail. The male refused testing on station. The 35-year-old Avon Lake resident was charged with OVI, carrying various weapons, obstructing official business, driving in marked lanes, and driving on a closed roadway. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Hit-Skip
On July 13 at 3:00 pm, Westlake PD requested mutual aid for a hit skip accident, the vehicle fled northbound on Columbia into Bay Village. WLPD pinned the vehicle on Columbia near Columbia Ct. The driver was taken into custody and is facing charges from WLPD.
Medical Emergency
On July 13 at 6:20 pm, BVFD responded to a male having a seizure at the intersection of Wolf/Clague. The male was transported to a local hospital, and his vehicle was parked for safe keeping.
Felony Stop
On July 13 at 11:19 pm, BVPD conducted a high-risk felony stop on a vehicle at Bassett near the railroad tracks. The listed owner was showing a felony warrant through OSHP. The male was taken into custody and turned over to OHSP.
Refused All Testing
On July 14 at 1:16 am, BVPD conducted a traffic stop near Bayfair Ct/ Forestview for a traffic violation. Upon speaking to the driver, it was suspected they were under the influence and had an active warrant for domestic violence through Avon Lake PD. The male refused all testing. The male was arrested for OVI and brought back to BVPD jail. During the booking process the male refused to comply and also declined a breath sample. The 39-year-old Avon Lake resident was charged with OVI, OVI refusal, open container, criminal damaging, harassment by an inmate and Display of plates. He will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court. He was then released to Avon Lake Pd on their warrant.
Fraud
On July 14 at 1:30 pm, a resident responded on station to report a fraud. The female was scammed by an individual claiming they had an arrest warrant due to missing jury duty. The female is not out any money, but shared personal information with the scammer. Police are investigating.
Package Theft
On July 14 at 1:36 pm, a Bay Village resident arrived on station to report they had an Amazon package delivered but the contents was stolen. Bay Village Police are investigating.
Car vs. House
On July 14 at 11:00 pm, a 911 caller stated a vehicle drove into a house on the corner of Columbia/Wolf. BVPD and BVFD responded to the area and located the accident. The vehicle also struck the home’s gas line. The residents were outside of the home while BVFD worked on turning off the gas. The female driver was transported to SJMC with minor injuries. The home had significant damage, and the gas company was requested to respond. The elderly female showed no signs of impairment and advised she mistook the gas pedal for the brake. She was issued a citation and will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court. Ohio BMV re-test paperwork was submitted.
Waiting for a Bus
On July 15 at 7:17 am, a caller reported a male with several suitcases and bags sitting on the sidewalk near Lake/Bradley. BVPD responded and spoke with the female who stated she was waiting on the RTA and was unsure if the RTA would allow all of her property. She was assisted with her property onto the bus.
Struggling Paddeboarders
On July 15 at 7:57 pm, a resident at Cashelmara advised there were three paddle boarders who look to be struggling. BVPD responded and used the patrol vehicles loudspeaker to ask if they needed help. They declined help and were headed back to Bradstreet Landing Park where they launched.
Lost Driver
On July 16 at 12:00 pm, BVPD observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway near Wolf/Forestview. Upon speaking with the driver, he stated he was lost. The driver was assisted and given an escort back to the apartment complex on Lake Rd, just into Rocky River.
Solicitor Complaint
On July 16 at 5:38 pm, a resident’s family member contacted BVPD to report solicitors were just at their grandparent’s home and they were concerned their grandparents had been taken advantage. BVPD responded and spoke with the homeowner who stated they claimed to be with AT&T, but when asked to provide more information with their bill they declined and turned the solicitors away. BVPD located the two males and spoke with them. The one male had a valid permit through the city. The other male was advised on how to obtain a permit.
Mad Boyfriend
On July 17 at 11:43 pm, BVPD received several calls for a black F-150 revving its engine in the area of 28000 block of Osborn. Upon BVPD being dispatched to the area, a family member contacted BVPD to report their daughter’s boyfriend was asked to leave and he was still in the area driving past the home. The F-150 left the area prior to police arrival. They spoke with the homeowner over the incident who was advised to contact police if her boyfriend returned to the area.
Warrant Discovered
On July 19 at 3:17 am, BVPD located a vehicle parked at Columbia Rd Beach. Upon checking the vehicle, it was found unoccupied. BVPD walked down to the beach and located two individuals. Upon identifying the individuals, it as found the female had a warrant through Cleveland Police for child endangerment. The female was arrested and convey back to BVPD where Cleveland Police responded and took custody. The two were given verbal warning for park hours.
High Risk Traffic Stop
On July 19 8:14 am, BVPD conducted a high-risk traffic stop on a vehicle near Wolf/Bayfair. The register owner was showing a felony warrant through Bedford. The male was taken into custody and the warrant confirmed, but the originating agency was unable to take the male, and he was released on scene. A probable cause search was conducted on the vehicle, which yielded an open container of alcohol, drug paraphernalia, and possible narcotics. The 52-year-old Cleveland resident was issued a citation and will be facing charges through Rocky River Municipal Court.
Disgruntled Employee
On July 19 at 2:26 pm, a business owner on Clague Parkway contacted police requesting assistance with a former employee. The caller explained they had fired an employee, and she keeps showing up to the business. Upon speaking with the caller, they wished the employee to be trespassed from the property. While on scene, the suspect female arrived at the business to speak with police over some civil matters. She was advised the company and payments were a civil issue and directed on seeking legal help with that. Both parties were advised
Stolen Handgun
On July 21 at 10:50 pm, a traffic stop was conducted near Dover Center and the railroad tracks. The register owner was showing a suspended license. During the investigation, a handgun with an extended magazine was located under the driver’s seat. Further, the handgun was listed stolen out of Cleveland PD. The driver was brought back to BVPD to be booked and held for arraignment. The 23-year-old South Euclid resident was charged with receiving stolen property, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, carrying concealed weapons, and driving under suspension. The arrested male was seen via zoom through Rocky River Municipal Court, where his case was bound over to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. He was later transported to county jail and his probation officer through Medina County was made aware of his arrest.
He Lost His Wallet
On July 24 at 11:36 am, a resident contacted BVPD advising there was a male westbound on a bicycle who seemed to be in distress. BVPD responded to the area of Lake/Bradley and located the male. The male was upset he lost his wallet while on his bike ride across the country. While on scene speaking with the upset bicyclist, another group of bicyclists flagged BVPD to turn in a wallet they had found. The male was reunited with his wallet, and he continued on his journey.
Downed Power Line
On July 24 at 9:53 pm, a resident on Plymouth reported a large tree branch fell taking down a powerline and hitting their home. BVPD & BVFD responded, secured the area, and contacted CEI.
Another Downed Power Line
On July 24 at 9:55 pm, BVPD received a 911 call for a powerline and large tree branch across Cahoon/Osborn. BVPD arrived on scene, secured the area and waited for CEI to respond. CEI responded and the roadway was later re-opened.
Tree Branch on Home/Car
On July 24 at 10:00 pm, a resident on Saddler called BVPD reporting she had a tree branch fall on her home/car. BVPD responded and taped off the area due to the tree branch pulling the power supply from their home out.
Smoke at the Knickerbocker
On July 24 at 10:28 pm, BVPD and BVFD responded to the Knickerbocker Apartments for smoke on the third floor. BVPD reported on scene that smoke was filling the hallway. One apartment owner reported that after the power went out and came back on, his stove began smoking. BVFD stayed on scene to alleviate the smoke.
Downed Wires
On July 25 at midnight, a resident contacted BVPD reporting there were down wires near their residence. BVPD responded and located a large tree branch hanging on the power lines on Breezewood Drive. Upon further inspection, there were live wires broken and laying on the ground in several areas with the powerline still sparking. BVPD taped off the area and stayed on scene until CEI arrived at 0800 hrs.
Utility Pole Smoking
On July 25 at 6:28 am, a resident on Saddler reported a telephone pole fire. BVPD & BVFD responded and located the telephone pole that was smoking, but no active fire. The area was taped off and homeowner advised of the live wire. CEI was notified.
Fraud
On July 25 at 10:12 am, a resident responded to BVPD to report she was a victim of a fraud and is out $1,000 dollars. The resident was contacted by phone and told her they were with the FBI fraud department. The resident believed the caller and shared banking information with the caller. Police are investigating.
Domestic Violence
On July 25 at 4:06 pm, a traffic stop was conducted near Cahoon/Rexford due to the listed owner showing an active domestic violence warrant through Westlake police. The driver was detained and the warrant confirmed. The male was turned over to Westlake PD, who arrived on scene to take custody.
Rude Solicitor
On July 25 at 6:36 pm, a resident on Lincoln reported a solicitor who became very rude when asked to leave their property. BVPD responded, located the male and spoke with him. The male had no valid permit and was advised of the complaint. He was warned that future contact without a permit will result in a citation.
