OVI Incidents
Macedonia Driver Arrested After Striking Parked Vehicle, Fleeing Scene
May 10
A Macedonia resident was arrested for OVI after striking a parked Ford Bronco at the intersection of Smokerise and Riverview. The suspect fled the scene on foot and was located by officers approximately 11 minutes after the initial call. When approached by police, the male immediately stated he “just went home to look for my wife” and that he “did not see that car.” Officers observed slurred speech, a strong odor of alcoholic beverage, and the suspect struggled to maintain balance during the interaction.
When asked about his alcohol consumption, the suspect initially avoided the question, then stated he “was good,” and finally admitted, “Probably more than I should have, but not causing that.” He later acknowledged having drinks at a local bar.
Officers administered field sobriety tests, noting the suspect’s eyes were “extremely glassy” with dilated pupils. During testing, the suspect admitted he had consumed “probably more than I should have.” He was unable to complete the walk-and-turn test, stating his “balance was not good,” and could not perform the one-leg stand test.
The suspect was arrested for OVI, transported to the police station, and refused to submit to a breath test. Kenneth Dale Puffenbarger was charged with OVI, failure to control, and stopping after an accident upon streets/collision with an unattended vehicle through Macedonia Mayor’s Court.
Akron Driver Arrested for OVI After Vehicle Leaves Roadway
May 10
An officer observed a black SUV driving eastbound on E. Highland Road quickly going left of center toward oncoming traffic in an active work zone. The vehicle left the roadway onto the sidewalk and grass before correcting back into the right lane. The officer conducted a traffic stop near Shephard Road and E. Highland Road.
The Akron resident stated he was tired on his way to work and fell asleep. Officers noted slow speech and watery eyes. When questioned, the driver admitted to consuming “a bottle or two of wine around midnight.”
During field sobriety tests, the driver showed multiple indicators of impairment. During the walk-and-turn test, the driver failed to step heel-to-toe and stepped off the line multiple times to regain balance. In the one-leg stand test, he dropped his foot multiple times and was swaying.
The driver blew 0.000 on a breath test but refused to provide a urine sample. Officers noted the suspect was “constantly falling asleep and swaying in the seat” during testing and booking.
The suspect’s wife later called the station, reporting that they had consumed “chocolate bars from a smoke shop” the previous day, and she noticed her husband “acting strange” and “acting slow” that morning.
Frederick Joseph Reynolds was charged with OVI and marked lanes through Macedonia Mayor’s Court.
Property Crime
Cleveland Resident Arrested with Stolen Rental Vehicle
May 2
An officer received a Flock camera alert for a stolen vehicle while patrolling near S. Bedford at Interstate 271. The alert identified a 2024 Toyota RAV4 with Maryland plates in the Macedonia Commons area.
After searching several parking lots, the officer located the vehicle at a fast-food restaurant drive-thru. Dispatch confirmed the vehicle was reported stolen through Bedford Police Department.
When approached, the female driver from Cleveland appeared surprised and claimed the vehicle was a rental that she and her boyfriend had rented. Her boyfriend, also from Cleveland, in the passenger seat, stated his uncle had rented the car for him to use.
Officers discovered the male passenger had a warrant from Garfield Heights. His story changed multiple times during questioning, eventually stating that his uncle asked a friend to rent the vehicle for him. The vehicle was rented on March 13 and was supposed to be returned on March 20.
Malik Del-Lante Lashae Lindsey was arrested for receiving stolen property and booked into the Macedonia City Jail. The vehicle was towed per Bedford PD’s request.
Cleveland Man Arrested for Weapons Charges During Traffic Stop
April 29
An officer observed a driver using his cell phone while driving southbound on I-271. During the traffic stop, the driver claimed he was looking at directions to pick up a package in Stow.
The Cleveland resident could not produce a license or proof of insurance. A records check revealed he did not have a driver’s license and had multiple warrants through Cleveland Police Department.
While conducting an inventory for towing the vehicle, officers discovered a loaded 9mm handgun in the glove box. An extended magazine and additional ammunition were also found.
During transport to jail, the suspect admitted he had obtained the firearm after being released from prison the previous Friday, saying that people had been making threats against him. A check of the weapon’s serial number revealed it was reported stolen through Akron Police Department.
Records showed the suspect had previously pled guilty to Strangulation (F-3) and Domestic Violence (F-4) in 2023. Timothy TL Neal was charged with Texting While Driving, No Operator’s License, Having Weapons Under Disability, Receiving Stolen Property, Carrying Concealed Weapons, and Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle.
Harassment/Protection Orders
Macedonia Resident Charged with Protection Order Violation
May 1
A Macedonia woman reported to police that her husband, against whom she filed a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order on April 21, had been violating the order. Despite being served with the CPO paperwork by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the husband continued to contact her daily.
The victim provided screenshots showing seven text messages on April 26 and eight calls on April 30. She also reported that her husband drives past her home multiple times daily and has been observed watching her from a parking lot across from her workplace.
When contacted by phone, the husband admitted to being served the CPO and to contacting his wife multiple times. He later came to the police station, provided a written statement, and was arrested. Kurtis A. Chapple was charged with violating a protection order through Stow Municipal Court.
North Jackson Employee Reports Threatening Messages
May 1
An employee from North Jackson working at a Macedonia business reported receiving threatening and unwanted text messages. The victim, who handles new hirings for the company, had called a job applicant regarding a potential position. During the call, the applicant began using inappropriate language, prompting the victim to end the call and block the number.
Shortly after, the victim began receiving threatening text messages from two other phone numbers, including messages that read: “punk a** b****,” “b**** a** n**** ima find you,” and “f*** around and get yo a** murk out here I got your address too.”
Officers attempted to contact all three numbers with negative results and left voicemails advising the owners not to contact the victim or any other employees at the business. No further messages had been received at the time of the report.
Misc. Incidents
Oakwood Driver Reports Property Damage
May 9
An Oakwood driver reported hearing a “thud” while passing a Macedonia residence where a resident was mowing his lawn. The driver believed a rock had been kicked up by the mower and struck her vehicle. The Macedonia homeowner stated he was unsure if his mower had kicked up a rock, noting that he usually disengages the blades when cars pass his house. Photos of the damage were taken for documentation.
New York Truck Driver Gets Stuck in Macedonia Yard
May 9
Officers responded to Stoneridge Road for a semi-truck stuck in a residential yard, blocking the Macedonia homeowner from leaving. The truck driver from Elmont, NY explained that his GPS had directed him to the wrong location, and he got stuck in the mud while attempting to turn around in a cul-de-sac. A towing company was called to remove the vehicle, which was able to drive away without further incident. The property owner requested documentation for yard repairs.
