URGENT UPDATE: A suspected shoplifter was apprehended in Rocky River, Ohio, while attempting to board a bus with stolen merchandise. The incident unfolded at approximately 4 p.m. on December 27, when officers from the Rocky River Police Department responded to a call from the Fairview Park Police Department regarding a theft at Kohl’s in the Westgate Shopping Center.
According to police reports, the suspect, a 32-year-old man from Geneva, was accused of stealing items from the store and fled the scene towards Wagar Road. Officers quickly located him attempting to board a bus near Center Ridge Road. Upon spotting the police, the suspect fled through a nearby parking lot but was soon caught by a Rocky River officer.
The stolen goods included a paper bag filled with Nike socks and Adidas underwear, all still tagged with Kohl’s price labels. The suspect was arrested and subsequently handed over to the Fairview Park Police Department for processing. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about retail theft in the area.
In addition to the shoplifting case, Rocky River police also dealt with other incidents during the holiday season. On December 23, at 10:30 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle on Hilliard Boulevard for having only one working headlight. The driver, a 45-year-old woman from Cleveland, was found to have a suspended driver’s license and was cited accordingly.
Further, on December 24 at 2 p.m., police responded to reports of disorderly conduct on Morewood Parkway. Witnesses reported a man in a white tow truck yelling at an elderly woman and pounding on her door. Officers arrived to find the 41-year-old Cleveland resident as he left the woman’s driveway. After questioning, he became verbally aggressive towards officers. He was cited for disorderly conduct and instructed to leave the area.
These incidents reflect a growing need for community vigilance during the busy holiday season. For continuous updates and local news, consider signing up for the Police Blotter newsletter at cleveland.com/newsletters.
Stay tuned for more breaking news as these stories develop.
