Scam Alert!
A Westlake resident received a call from a “Cuyahoga County Sheriff.” The caller said that the resident had warrants and would be arrested if bail was not paid.
The law abiding man was scared into believing that officers were really looking for him so he volunteered to go to the Justice Center and turn himself in.
Of course, the scammer indicated that the only way to not be arrested was to post “preemptive bail” at the nearest Crypto Currency machine. Luckily, the almost-victim checked with police before depositing any cash.
NO AGENCY will have you pay bail with gift cards or Bitcoin. No company will insist that you stay on the phone with them when you withdraw cash from the bank or guide you on what to say to the teller to avoid suspicion.
If you receive an unexpected text, email or call, be very wary. Independently check any info and never disclose your personal information or allow others to remotely control your phone or computer unless you sought out technical help from a legitimate company. The scammer even sent the victim legitimate looking documents which are in the post seen on the WPD facebook site. Talk to your friends and relatives about scams. Education will help stem the fear that these scammers use to get your hard earned money!
Felony Burglar Nabbed
On 7/7/24 at approx 7:20AM, a resident on Roseland Way called Westlake Police to report that a burglar was just in his house. The resident had come downstairs after hearing a door chime. Fur coats were found discarded on the ground before the victims realized that someone had actually been inside the home.
Officers responded quickly and immediately detected evidence that the house had been forcibly entered while the homeowners were inside. Any suspects had already fled the scene without being seen. While patrol took the initial report, checked the area and preserved the scene, the Westlake Detective Bureau was contacted for assistance/investigative support. Recognizing this as a high priority call of a crime against person/personal space detectives responded.
The investigators expertly assessed the physical evidence available. Drops of blood left behind by the perpetrator were collected along with other physical evidence. WPD arranged for submission to the crime lab. The DNA results received positively identified a 38yo Akron man as being at the scene of the crime. The man was already on parole for previous crimes. Arrest and search warrants were executed on 7/31/24 where the suspect, who was recently released from prison after a 15 year sentence for Aggravated Robbery, was taken into custody. Additional physical evidence of the crime along with property stolen from the Westlake resident were recovered. The suspect was charged with felony burglary from a residence and was transported to the Cuyahoga County Jail on a bond of $500,000 Cash or Surety.
Bad Day at Dave & Busters
On 7/27/24 at about 6:15PM, officers on patrol saw and heard a vehicle back into a parked car in the parking lot of Dave and Busters. While a female exited the front passenger seat while vomiting, four kids, aged in the range of 2 to 14 years old, climbed out of the back seat. When officers spoke with the driver, a 33yo Bedford man, they detected signs of impairment. He was field tested and arrested for OVI. Investigation revealed that there was an open and partially full bottle of gin in the vehicle along with a burned marijuana cigarette in the center console. The man was transported to the Westlake Jail where he took a breath test. He was found to be over 2 and ½ times the legal limit of alcohol in his system. The driver was cited with OVI, Prohibited Breath Alcohol Content, and endangering children. 696-KIDS was contacted in an effort to guide the family to available support.
Addict Behind the Wheel
On 7/31/24 at about 10AM, WPD received a call from a concerned resident reporting a white van had been parking on the street every day for 2 weeks for an unknown reason. Officers approached the van and discovered a man was in the driver’s seat. He was slumped down, was not wearing a shirt and his shorts were unzipped and pulled down. The 42yo Warren, OH male explained that he had just finished urinating. The inquisitive officers observed 2 small glass vials along with a rolled up dollar bill in plain view. The man admitted that the vials did contain cocaine. He was arrested. The man had been using the van to transport workers to a nearby job site. The driver was transported to the Westlake Jail and charged with felony possession of drugs along with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Spin-Out on Center Ridge
On 8/1/24 at about 8:15PM, Westlake PD received a 911 call reporting a crash on Center Ridge Rd between Clague and Walter Rds. The callers noted that 1 vehicle was on its roof. Officers and Westlake Fire/Rescue arrived and discovered that all persons involved were OK and out of their vehicles. A Ford Focus was indeed upside down. Investigation revealed that both involved vehicles had been traveling E/B on Center Ridge when one lost control and struck the other causing each to spin out and strike roadside objects. The at fault driver claimed that his steering failed while driving. The Westlake prosecutor will review the case for charges.
Stolen Car Retrieved
On 8/2/24 at approx. 12:30AM, WPD learned that Elyria PD was looking for a black Toyota Corolla which had been stolen minutes before from a Pizza Hut in their city. The keys had been left in the running car. Alert Westlake officers used available technology including FLOCK license plate readers to assure that the perpetrators were not coming to our city to continue a crime spree. Patrol officers soon discovered that the vehicle was traveling on Center Ridge Rd. WPD officers stopped the stolen car on Center Ridge at Dover Center. The male driver was detained without further incident. The 30yo Cincinnati man initially refused to identify himself but, with the assistance of Rocky River PD’s mobile fingerprint reader, his true identity was quickly confirmed. The man was turned over to Elyria PD for the felony theft. The owner of the vehicle responded to the scene and took possession of the car.
Vehicle Stolen
On 7/5/24 at approx. 8:30AM, a resident came to WPD to report that someone had stolen from their vehicle the night before. The car had been parked on Westchester Pkwy. Unfortunately, the victim had left a firearm in the vehicle and it was now missing. There was no forced entry located on the car. A report was taken and the stolen gun was entered in police databases.
Passed Out at the Wheel
On 7/6/24 at about 3:30PM, WPD received a call from a concerned citizen who saw a guy passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle at Hidden Acres and Glen Valley. The driver had apparently passed out at the stop sign. Witnesses on scene had woken up the male driver before officers arrived. When asked, the 46yo Cleveland resident said that he must have “dozed off a little bit.” He admitted that he had snorted fentanyl in the past. He appeared intoxicated and was field tested. He was arrested for OVI and transported to the Westlake Jail. He was charged with OVI. Further charges are pending toxicology results.
Classy Lady
On 7/7/24 at approx. 8:30PM, a complainant called WPD to report that a female had exited her vehicle in a rage on the ramp from I90 to Columbia Rd. The lady, described as being in her 40s with reddish hair, apparently was yelling and cursing at the other driver and eventually pulled down her pants to moon the complainant. The suspect was captured on video. Later, officers spoke with the suspect who was cited with disorderly conduct.
Carload of Trouble
On 7/8/24 officers on patrol stopped a vehicle after it pulled out of the Westspring Inn on Sperry. The driver, a 39yo Cleveland male, admitted that he did not have a driver’s license. He also had a warrant from North Olmsted PD. The passengers in the vehicle consisted of a 42yo Fairview Park female who was wanted in Tennessee and North Royalton and a 59yo Cleveland man who had multiple felony warrants out of Cuyahoga County for prior weapons violations. The 59yo also gave false information to the officers about his identity. Investigation revealed that the trio were in possession of scales, broken glass pipes and other drug paraphernalia. White chunks of suspected crack were also located. While waiting for the tow, the driver admitted to the officers that he had ingested numerous ecstasy tablets as the officers were stopping them. A squad was requested to tend to the male. The driver was charged with tampering with evidence and drug paraphernalia. Charges for the passengers included possession of drug paraphernalia, falsification and drug possession. Additional charges are pending lab analysis.
Bay Village Police
Under the Influence
On July 23, 2024 at 01:22 am, Bay Village Police stopped a vehicle on Lake Rd and Porter Creek Dr for moving violations. Police spoke with the male operator, who appeared to be under the influence. After an investigation, the male failed sobriety tests and was placed under arrest. On station, the male refused to provide a breath sample. The 41 year old Avon Lake resident is facing numerous charges in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Suspicious Male
On July 23, 2024 at 4:26 pm, a resident near Wolf Rd and Bassett Road called reporting a suspicious male in the area and who was walking south bound on Bassett. Bay Village PD received another call from a resident who stated the male was acting erratic and needs a ride to Lakewood Ohio. Police spoke with the male and he was given a courtesy ride to Rocky River.
Wanted Felon
On 06/28/24. Bay Village Police were notified that a wanted felon, Albert Scina, was at an address on East Oviatt Rd. Officers responded and made contact with Scina, who did not comply with officers and fled the area in his vehicle, recklessly driving over several tree lawns and out of the city. Scina had numerous warrants through North Olmstead, Fairview Park, Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Sheriff’s Office. On July 24, 2024 at 3:00 pm, Bay Village Police, with help from our surrounding agencies, executed an arrest warrant in Cleveland for Albert Scina III. Scina was arrested and conveyed to Cuyahoga County Sheriffs to be held on his numerous charges.
Trespassing
On July 24, 2024 at 5:41 pm, residents at Darby’s Run advised three males were trespassing on their property. Bay Village Police responded and located the three males. The three juveniles and their parents were contacted over the complaint and the males were sent on their way.
Suspended License
On July 25, 2024 at 01:47 am, Bay Village Police stopped a vehicle near Lake Rd and Fordham Pkwy. The operator was showing a suspended license and a warrant out of Walton Hills. The male was turned over to Walton Hills Police. The 21 year old Bedford resident is facing numerous charges in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Credit Card Fraud
On July 25,2024 at 8:00 pm, a resident at 30000 block of Lake Rd reported someone used their credit card in Illinois. Police are investigating.
Bike Nabbed
On July 26, 2024 at 11:24 am, resident on Plymouth Dr reporting their bicycle was stolen overnight. Police are investigating.
Reckless Driver
On July 26, 2024 at 7:36 pm, an off-duty police officer reported a reckless driver eastbound on Lake Rd at Cahoon Road. The suspect vehicle, a grey Ford Focus, was traveling at a high rate of speed and passing vehicles, subsequently, striking one of them and the median at Lake Rd and Cahoon. The vehicle continued traveling without stopping after the accident. Bay Village Police responded and eventually located the disabled suspect vehicle and driver. The 23-year-old Bay Village resident will be facing numerous charges in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Overexposed Female
On July 27, 2024 at 09:30 am, Bay Village Police received multiple calls for a female exposing herself near Dover Commons. Callers reported the female had relieved herself on the sidewalk. Bay Village Police responded and located the known female. She was arrested and will be facing charges in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Scammed
On July 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm, a Narragansett resident contacted Bay Village Police to advised they were a victim of a scam call. The resident was contacted by whom they believed was Spectrum. The resident was directed to purchase Target gift cards to pay for services. The resident soon realized after purchasing the gift cards this was a scam. Target was contacted and gift cards were cancelled. The resident is not out of any money at this time.
Shot by BB Gun
On July 28, 2024 at 15:12 pm, a Rye Gate Road resident called Bay Village Police to report they were working in their garage and were being shot at by a BB gun. Bay Village Police responded and investigated the incident, eventually arresting a local juvenile male for the crime. He will be facing charges in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.
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