Walmart Shopper Steals $248 in Merchandise, Caught After Traffic Stop
May 24
Two individuals were arrested after a shoplifting incident at Walmart on Macedonia Commons Boulevard. Lamont Edward Wells was charged with theft after stealing 25 items valued at $248.88. Wells was spotted by loss prevention leaving the store with unpaid merchandise and was apprehended after a traffic stop. The driver, Linda Carol McCollum, was cited for running a red light during the incident. Police also discovered frozen seafood from Giant Eagle in the vehicle without receipts, prompting that store to review security footage.
Home Depot Shopper Takes $306 in Building Materials
May 25
Michael Robert DeMore was arrested for theft at Home Depot on Macedonia Commons Boulevard after taking flooring and drywall mud without payment. The 33-year-old was cooperative with loss prevention and told officers he needed the materials for work at his girlfriend’s residence. DeMore was charged with first-degree misdemeanor theft and booked into Macedonia City Jail.
Walmart Theft Suspect Flees Before Traffic Stop Arrest
May 21
Jason Frank Lanese was cited for theft after stealing $311.15 worth of merchandise from Walmart. The Bedford resident initially fled the store when confronted by loss prevention but was stopped by police on Freeway Drive. Lanese admitted to the theft and told officers he was disabled and poor, wanting to buy items for his children. He was switching price tags to pay less for merchandise. All stolen items were recovered.
TRAFFIC/DUI
Driver Found Asleep in Traffic Lane Charged with OVI
May 20
A Kent man was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence after being found unconscious behind the wheel in the right lane of Interstate 480 eastbound. Will Allen Heltzel was discovered by Twinsburg Police units with his vehicle still in drive. During field sobriety tests, the suspect showed signs of impairment and refused both breath and urine tests. Marijuana and smoking paraphernalia were found during a vehicle inventory. Heltzel was also charged with driving under suspension and stopping a vehicle in the roadway.
High-Speed Chase Ends When Suspect Vehicle Disappears
May 20
A pursuit was terminated after a silver Hyundai fled from a traffic stop on Interstate 271. The vehicle was clocked at 88 mph in a 65 mph zone before accelerating onto State Route 8 southbound at high speeds. The officer lost sight of the vehicle and was ordered to terminate the pursuit for safety reasons. The license plate could not be identified from patrol camera footage.
FRAUD/FINANCIAL CRIMES
Jeweler Reports $13,820 Check Fraud Scheme
May 22
Don Basch Jewelers on Fairlane Drive reported two fraudulent checks totaling $13,820.55 were cashed from the business account. The checks were issued to Hendry Elizandro Temayo Pool and Ronald Josua Reyes Roque, each for approximately $6,910. Bank officials identified several red flags including misspelled company name, incorrect security seals and forged signatures. The checks were cashed in Cincinnati and Indianapolis, with a third attempt blocked in Toledo. Huntington Bank’s fraud department is investigating.
Mother Reports Daughter Stole $4,150 in Belongings
May 22
A Macedonia woman reported her daughter stole cash, jewelry and electronics totaling $4,150 while she was away for a week. Carol Perkins Treadwell told police that Jacqueline Emma Treadwell and her boyfriend likely sold the items for money or drugs. Missing items included $450 in cash and coins, $3,200 worth of jewelry, and two Samsung tablets valued at $250 each. The mother plans to begin eviction proceedings and press charges against her daughter.
