Police Blotter: Employee Fired, Purse Stolen, Porch Pirate Makes Port, Counterfeit Cash and Identity Fraud

Police reports are a sampling of blotter items available and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Theft
Cashier fired after money and merchandise allegedly taken from clothing store till: A former employee of an Aurora Road clothing store was charged with theft on January 5, after loss prevention alleged she committed multiple thefts from November 15, 2023, to January 2, 2024. The woman was charged with theft and transported to Macedonia City Jail. 

Theft from vehicle
Car window smashed and purse taken: A woman told police the front window of her rental car was smashed and her purse taken from the seat just before 6 p.m. December 16. The car was parked at a North Highland Road indoor amusement area, according to police. Security reviewed camera footage and witnessed passengers in a dark-colored Jeep Cherokee appear to look at cars. The passengers targeted the victim’s vehicle and smashed out the window before stealing the purse, according to police. The purse contained $100 and a few miscellaneous items of no value according to the victim. Police are reviewing various cameras in the area, according to police.

Porch pirate hits Prairie Crossing home: A resident told police on January 2 that a box containing a cell phone was taken from a home around 2 p.m. The unknown male and his vehicle were caught on doorbell footage. The phone was blacklisted by the service provider according to police. 

Identity fraud
False unemployment claim filed: An employee of Cleveland State University told police her employer received a false unemployment claim in her name on January 2, according to police. The woman filed a claim with the State of Ohio, according to police.

Rear plate reportedly missing from vehicle: A man told police on January 5 that his new rear license plate was missing. The man told police he installed the plate on his Kia Sorento just before 10 p.m. The man told police he drove to the store and as he opened his trunk, he noticed the plate was missing. The man told the police he retraced his steps but did not find the plate. 

Found property
Customer shocked at finding shells by gas pumps: Police were called to a Highland Road gas station on January 6 around 4 p.m. after a customer found two handgun shells by a gas pump, according to police. The attendant also told police he saw a red laser-type beam pointed at him when he retrieved the shells. Police took the shells for safekeeping, according to the report. 

Identity fraud
Fraudulent charges made on account: A woman told police on January 8 that she discovered three transactions on her checking account. The woman told police transactions of $38.48, $31.53 and $271 were made outside Ohio. Two of the transactions were reimbursed by the same fast-food restaurant. The third transaction was canceled by a delivery service. 

Counterfeit
Man pays with fake $100 bill: A man told police a customer purchased a $900 piece of equipment on January 12 using 1 counterfeit $100 bill. The man told police he sold a Club Cadet XT1 tractor for $900. The purchaser refused to pay until the tractor was placed on the back of a gray Dodge Ram, according to the report. When the tractor was loaded the man paid with 9- $100 bills. The purchaser left before the money could be counted. The bogus bill was placed into evidence. Police are investigating.

Theft of motor vehicle
Car taken after broken down: A woman told police on January 15 that her car had broken down the night before while driving eastbound on I-480. The woman left her car and called her son. The next day the locked car was no longer there. Police entered the car as stolen.

Trespassing
Man asking for cash at clinic: A man was asked on January 18 to leave the Macedonia Commons Cleveland Clinic property after becoming aggressive and asking for money. The man was located a few doors away and charged with trespassing, according to police. The man was cited for criminal trespass, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree through Macedonia Mayor’s Court.

Property damage
Mailbox damaged: An Iroquois man called police on January 20 to report his mailbox had been knocked from a post and broken. The damage estimate was not listed.