THEFT & BURGLARY
Walmart Shoplifters Caught on Camera, Charges Filed
September 11, September 18, October 8
Macedonia Police charged an individual with multiple theft incidents at Walmart on Macedonia Commons Boulevard after loss prevention reported the cases. On Sept. 11 around 3:44 p.m., the suspect failed to scan multiple items at self-checkout, leaving eggs and strawberries in the cart and having a case of unpaid water and an eight-pack of Body Armor drink on the bottom of the cart. A total of 14 identifiable unpaid items worth $108.23 were taken. On Sept. 18 around 2:09 p.m., the suspect failed to scan multiple items at self-checkout, leaving several items in the cart and covering them with bags from paid merchandise. A total of 20 identifiable unpaid items worth $70.30 were stolen. On Oct. 8 around 4:31 p.m., the suspect again failed to scan multiple items at self-checkout, leaving several items in the cart and covering them with bags. A total of 12 identifiable unpaid items worth $33.35 were taken. In all three incidents, the suspect was seen leaving in a blue-green Chevrolet Cobalt. Police identified the suspect through the vehicle registration and charged them with three counts of theft through Macedonia Mayor’s Court.
Sephora Theft Leads to Charges
October 20
Loss prevention at Sephora in the Macedonia Commons reported a theft that occurred around 2:30 p.m. A suspect spent approximately 45 minutes in the store selecting items and placing them in a basket. Near the end of the shopping trip, several items were placed in a bag and concealed before the suspect walked to the cash register. The individual purchased a few items from the basket but left the store without paying for the concealed items. The total value of stolen merchandise was $477. Loss prevention identified the suspect through video footage and cross-referenced with theft cases from Strongsville and Jackson Township police departments. Police reviewed the video and confirmed the suspect’s identity through BMV records. Charges of theft and possession of criminal tools were filed through Macedonia Mayor’s Court.
Officer Spots Walmart Shoplifters in Parking Lot
October 22
An officer driving southbound on Macedonia Commons Boulevard around 11:40 a.m. noticed two individuals acting suspiciously in the Walmart parking lot. They were moving items from a cart into a black plastic container, and when they saw the officer, they dropped the items and walked away casually. The officer attempted to locate them but they had disappeared. All of the merchandise appeared to be Dove soap products. The officer gathered everything and took it into Walmart to meet with loss prevention. Later in the day, loss prevention came to the station and provided a report, pictures and video. The total value of merchandise stolen was $538.22. Video showed the individuals leave the store without paying for the merchandise. Through investigation and photos of a vehicle, police were able to track down the suspects. An individual eventually called police and admitted to the theft, saying he convinced a juvenile to take the merchandise with him. The individual stated he was responsible for everything and provided his information to officers. He was advised there would be a signed charge for theft and he could turn himself in or there would be a warrant for his arrest.
Theft From Ulta Ends in Police Pursuit
October 23
Officers were dispatched to Ulta Beauty on Macedonia Commons Boulevard for a theft report around 8:14 p.m. A suspect had stolen over $300 worth of items and fled in a silver pickup truck. An officer immediately searched the area and observed an older model silver Dodge RAM traveling at a high rate of speed through the Kohl’s parking lot. The officer recognized the plate and registered owner from a theft investigation involving Kohl’s the previous evening, where loss prevention had alerted Macedonia Police of a possible theft. The officer followed the vehicle and confirmed through the driver-side mirror that the registered owner was driving. A female passenger was also visible. The officer attempted a traffic stop on Interstate 271 South near mile marker 17. The driver appeared as if he was going to stop but then failed to comply and continued driving at high speed. During the pursuit, the driver committed multiple moving violations including speeding, marked lanes violations and failure to signal. The pursuit was terminated near State Route 303. Officers responded to Ulta and reviewed video footage, confirming the female suspect’s identity through BMV photos and a previous Macedonia jail booking photo. Loss prevention stated the total would likely be over $1,000 because multiple items were stolen, including hair extensions. Both individuals will be charged through Stow Municipal Court. The driver faces failure to comply with order or signal of police officer, complicity to theft, driving under suspension, and rear plate illumination charges. The passenger faces theft and possession of criminal tools charges. She was previously convicted of three separate felony theft offenses within the last three years. Warrants will be issued for both.
Woman Charged With Skip-Scanning at Walmart
October 19
Loss prevention at Walmart reported a theft that occurred around 5:45 p.m. While reviewing self-checkout surveillance footage, an officer observed a suspect under-ringing or skip-scanning merchandise. The individual bagged a $15.98 pair of black pants but scanned a $2.46 cantaloupe, and also bagged a $22.98 pair of black high heels while again scanning a $2.46 cantaloupe. The total value of unpaid merchandise was $38.96. Loss prevention maintained visual contact via store security cameras and observed the suspect pass all points of sale without rendering payment. The individual exited the store and entered a white four-door Chevrolet. Police conducted a registration inquiry and identified the suspect through BMV photographs that matched the surveillance video. The suspect was charged with petty theft through Macedonia Mayor’s Court.
FRAUD & SCAMS
Resident Loses $15,000 in Jury Duty Scam
October 17
A resident on Stockton Circle reported falling victim to a telecommunications fraud scheme. The individual received a call from someone claiming to be a Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Deputy who stated the victim had missed jury duty and had a warrant for his arrest. After explaining he was a Summit County resident, the caller transferred him to someone claiming to be a Summit County Sheriff’s Deputy. The second caller demanded a $15,000 cash bond to avoid arrest. The frightened victim withdrew the cash from Chase Bank in Northfield Center and was instructed to use a crypto kiosk at the GetGo Gas Station on East Highland Road to wire the money. After sending the funds, the callers claimed there was another warrant from United States Federal Court and demanded an additional $25,000. The victim attempted to withdraw more money from Chase Bank in Hudson, but found his accounts had been suspended by the Northfield branch. When he and the branch manager began questioning the callers, they hung up. Macedonia Police contacted FBI contacts who are looking into the matter. The case was forwarded to detectives for follow-up.
Identity Theft Attempt Thwarted
October 19
A resident on Ceilo E Terra reported an identity theft attempt. The victim received a letter from Progressive insurance regarding a new policy for a truck he does not own. He also does not carry Progressive insurance. Through inquiries, he determined someone was attempting to purchase a vehicle with his information via text messaging with two car dealers in New York. He was able to lock down his credit information before any purchases could be made. He provided information to police regarding the attempted purchases. According to the victim, once the application process was stopped at both dealerships, the parties attempting the purchase went silent and could not be reached.
Resident Falls for Phone Scam, Ships Two Expensive Phones
October 30
A resident on Forest Point Drive came to the police station to report a scam. On Oct. 2, he received a call from someone claiming to be from Spectrum. He gave the caller his account information, and the caller discussed phone deals through Spectrum. To obtain the deal, the victim had to order a phone through his account and the suspect would send a shipping label to him. The suspect claimed this was to activate the deal on the phone and send it back to the victim. On Oct. 2, the victim bought a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for $1,999.99 and on Oct. 15 he bought an iPhone 17 Pro Max for $1,399.99. He received the shipping labels from the suspect and sent both phones out through UPS. He requested a report to give to Spectrum to get the charged phones off his account. Investigation is pending.
TRAFFIC & OVI
Driver Cited After Multi-Vehicle Crash on Route 82
October 17
Around 6:14 p.m., officers were dispatched to a three-vehicle traffic crash on State Route 82. Upon arrival, officers observed three vehicles with damage and debris in the roadway. The driver of a Mazda stated he was traveling eastbound on Route 82 when a Jeep in front of him suddenly stopped in the roadway. He was unable to stop in time and rear-ended the Jeep. The impact caused the Jeep to strike a Kia in front of it. The driver of the Jeep stated he was traveling eastbound when he heard a loud noise from his vehicle and felt something was wrong, so he stopped in the roadway. The driver of the Kia stated she was also traveling eastbound when she was struck from behind by the Jeep. All three drivers denied any injuries and refused medical treatment. The Mazda driver was cited for assured clear distance ahead. The Jeep was towed from the scene due to damage. The roadway was cleared and all vehicles were able to continue.
Driver Arrested for OVI After Erratic Driving on I-271
October 18
Around 3:51 a.m., officers were dispatched to a possible intoxicated driver on Interstate 271. A caller reported following a 2024 Lexus that was unable to maintain its lane and was varying in speeds from 35 mph to 80 mph. The vehicle exited the highway onto State Route 82 and failed to use its turn signal to change lanes. The driver then failed to use a turn signal again to make a left onto Crow Drive. When making the turn, the vehicle struck a curb and crossed the double yellow line. The driver then crossed over into the opposite lane of travel, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop. The driver backed into a driveway, striking a vehicle that was parked there. Officers approached and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. The driver’s eyes were glassy and speech was slurred. It took the driver more than two minutes to find her license. While the driver was looking for her license, officers located multiple open containers in the back seat and observed the driver attempting to hide them under the passenger seat. During the entire interaction, the driver struggled to maintain focus and follow instructions. The driver agreed to perform field sobriety tests but had difficulty maintaining focus and following instructions throughout. She displayed multiple clues of impairment on the HGN, walk and turn, and one-leg stand tests. She was placed under arrest for OVI and transported to Macedonia City Jail for booking. She failed to provide a good breath sample and it was marked as a refusal. The driver was charged with OVI, driving in marked lanes, use of turn signals and open container. She was given a court date of Oct. 23 at 1 p.m.
Man Arrested for OVI After Traffic Stop on Freeway Drive
October 24
Officers initiated a traffic stop on a red Ford pickup around 9:09 p.m. for having no visible license plate light. The truck made a wide left turn at State Route 82, crossing into the right curb lane. The vehicle then made another left turn on South Freeway Drive, crossing the double yellow line on the turn and again when making a lane change to the Interstate 271 on-ramp. Upon approaching the driver, an officer smelled the odor of alcohol and observed bloodshot and glossy eyes. The driver stated he was heading home from picking up Arby’s and admitted he had a couple of beers at home an hour prior. The driver agreed to perform field tests and had to slightly brace himself against his truck when he got out. Before starting the HGN, he stated he only got about two hours of sleep the night before. During field sobriety tests, the driver had to be instructed multiple times to keep his head straight and follow the stimulus. He displayed four out of six clues on the HGN test. On the walk and turn test, he could not balance during the instruction phase and had to use the wall to keep his balance multiple times. He displayed seven out of eight clues. On the one-leg stand test, he used his arms to balance, swayed, and had to put his foot down multiple times before ending the test. He displayed three out of four clues before ending the test. The driver was arrested for OVI and transported to Macedonia jail. A breath test resulted in a BAC of 0.042. The driver also provided a urine sample to be sent to state labs. He was charged with OVI and no rear plate light through Macedonia Mayor’s Court with a court date of Oct. 30 at 1 p.m.
DISTURBANCES & DOMESTIC INCIDENTS
McDonald’s Dispute Ends Without Charges
October 19
Officers responded to McDonald’s on Macedonia Commons Boulevard around 7:57 p.m. for a disturbance. An employee stated his ex-girlfriend came to the restaurant to talk about their relationship issues. She arrived with two friends in a BMW and asked him to come outside to speak. While they were talking outside, both parties allegedly grabbed each other. One of the friends then threw a water bottle full of water, cayenne pepper and red dye on the employee’s face, causing a burning sensation on his face and eyes. The group left and went to Culver’s. The employee called his mother, who then called 911 and arrived on scene. The employee had visible red marks all over his face and hands from the mixture. He stated his face was tingling but his eyes no longer burned. A squad treated him on scene, and he refused transport to the hospital. Officers located the bottle that was used. The employee’s mother received a call from the ex-girlfriend, who was advised to return to McDonald’s to speak with police. When the group returned, the ex-girlfriend stated she had no idea who threw the bottle, but when the employee put his hands on her, the bottle was thrown. The friend who threw the bottle stated she saw them get physical with each other and got out of the car to pour the water bottle on him to calm down the fighting. The employee initially stated he wanted to press charges, but after all parties told their side, he no longer wanted to. His mother stated she did not want anyone to get in trouble being this young and that it was a learning lesson for everyone. The employee and ex-girlfriend were seen hugging and joking around at the end of the call. Officers will follow up with both parties before following up with the city prosecutor if needed.
Juvenile Issue on Eliana Court
October 20
Officers were dispatched to a residence on Eliana Court around 7:06 p.m. for a report of a runaway juvenile. No further details were provided in the report.
Road Rage Incident Reported on State Route 8
October 23
A motorist came to the police station around 5:51 p.m. to report a road rage incident. While at the intersection of State Route 8 and Valley View Road, a black BMW bearing an Ohio registration pulled up next to him. The vehicle was occupied by four individuals. An individual in the back seat rolled down the window and threw a bottle at his vehicle. The BMW then drove off, continuing northbound on State Route 8. The victim stated he did not want anything done about the incident and just wanted it documented. There was no visible damage to his vehicle, only a liquid mark on the window from the bottle. Officers were unable to locate a good phone number for the registered owner of the BMW. No further police action is needed.
Memory Care Residents Have Altercation
October 24
An officer responded to The Avenue on Valley View Road reference a report. Administration stated there were two incidents that happened the previous day in memory care that had to be reported to the state. On Oct. 23 around 4:30 p.m., one resident accused another resident of stealing her jeans. The accuser called the other resident an obscenity and began to throw silverware at her. They were separated by staff. This was an informational report done on request. No further police assistance was requested.
Harassment Report Filed Over Affair Fallout
October 30
A couple came to the police station at 6:36 p.m. to report harassment. Both stated they were receiving multiple calls and texts from an individual demanding repayment for gifts given during an affair. Both showed officers multiple texts and voicemails from the individual and a few others from various unknown parties. The messages ranged from personal insults to demands for repayment. All instances of contact have been ignored, but they still receive messages, with the individual using multiple phone numbers to reach them. These incidents have been reported as happening since August. The individual threatened to contact the employers of both parties, make social media posts, and send letters demanding money. The husband stated the gifts received were not given under any written or verbal agreements for later repayment. Officers contacted the individual, who confirmed the attempted contact and said she wished to be paid back. Officers agreed that contact would cease and any further contact could be met with potential charges. Officers recommended all matters be brought up through an attorney and no future contact should be made. The incident was deemed to be a civil matter, and no further action is needed.
DRUG INCIDENTS
Man Hospitalized After Overdose
October 28
Officers were dispatched to a residence on Villa Lago Drive around 3:20 a.m. for a male who was overdosing on suspected heroin and fentanyl. The caller stated the individual was locked in the bathroom. Upon arrival, officers located an individual on the floor leaning against the door and slowly regaining consciousness. There were several hypodermic syringes in the bathroom, along with burnt spoons, pieces of cotton, lighters and a baggie of an unknown crushed substance. The individual stated he took fentanyl, and that is what was in the bag. He was evaluated by EMS and transported to Cleveland Clinic Twinsburg. The items were taken and logged as evidence. The suspected narcotics will be sent to the state crime lab. A warrant will be issued from Stow Municipal Court for aggravated possession of drugs, possession of drug abuse instruments and possession of drug paraphernalia.
OTHER INCIDENTS
Stolen Motorhome Report Resolved as Misunderstanding
October 22
Officers responded to Sloan’s Ice Cream on Macedonia Commons Boulevard around 8:13 p.m. for a report of a stolen motorhome. The reporting party stated he was inside the business when he saw someone get into his 2018 Ford motorhome and drive it through the parking lot. Officers located the vehicle in the adjacent Hobby Lobby parking lot and conducted a traffic stop. The reporting party quickly realized his travel partner had taken the vehicle following an argument inside the ice cream shop. He stated both individuals had permission to drive the motorhome and they were traveling to Colorado together. Both stated it was just a verbal disagreement. During the investigation, officers learned one individual had been reported as a missing person out of Oklahoma through the Ardmore Police Department. Officers conducted a welfare check and confirmed the person was traveling voluntarily and was not being held against their will. The individual was provided with contact information to call his parents. Both parties continued their journey.
