Police Media Releases
March 10, 2023
On 3/10/2023 at 1202 hrs. the Lakewood Police Dept. was detailed to 11811 Lake Ave. on the report of a baby not breathing. The Lakewood Police and Fire Department were called to the scene. Lakewood Police Officers located an un-responsive 8-month-old baby boy. The baby was transported to Lakewood Emergency room where he was pronounced dead. The Cuyahoga County Medical examiner’s office was contacted and responded to the scene. The matter is under investigation.
February 20, 2023
On 2/20/23 at 0729 hrs. the Lakewood Police Dept. was called to an address on Erie Cliff Dr. that backs up to Lake Erie. The resident had found their back yard storage shed broken into. While the resident was checking the shed, they saw a body floating down in Lake Erie.
The Lakewood Police Dept, Lakewood Fire Dept. and the Medical examiners responded. The body was recovered by the Lakewood Fire Dept and turned over to the medical examiner’s office. The body appears to be a white male in his twenties. The male’s identity is not being released at this time until his identity is confirmed by the medical examiner’s office. The investigation is ongoing.
January 26, 2023
On 1/25/23 the Lakewood Police Department arrested the suspect in the shooting incident at Corky’s Tavern. He is identified as Christopher Stokes, 34 yoa male, from Cleveland. He is charged with two counts of Felonious Assault.
The investigation is continuing.
January 22, 2023
Early in the morning on Sunday, January 22, 2023, the Lakewood Police Department investigated two separate incidents of shots being fired.
At 12:50 a.m., officers responded to Corky’s Place at 13302 Detroit Avenue on a report of a party that was shot while inside the bar. Upon officers’ arrival, they located a patron who had a gunshot wound to his right thigh, and another party who had been punched in the face by the same suspect, who had already fled the scene. Both parties were transported to MetroHealth Hospital for their injuries. The party who had been shot only received minor wounds since the bullet first struck his cell phone in his pocket. The nature of the altercation and the identity of the suspect remain under investigation.
At 2:46 a.m., officers responded to the East End Pub at 11922 Madison Avenue on a report of parties fighting. As responding officers were en route, one officer heard a gunshot. The crowd began to disperse, and officers located two parties who had been injured. One party had been struck by a vehicle which had left the scene, and the other suffered from what appeared to be knife wounds. Both parties were transported to MetroHealth Hospital for their injuries, which do not appear to be life threatening. At this time, investigating officers do not believe anyone was struck by a gunshot. Detectives are working to identify parties involved in this incident as well as the nature of the disturbance.
There is no evidence to suggest that these two incidents are related in any way
November 23, 2022
Lakewood Police Department To Give Away Free Steering Wheel Locks
As you may have seen in the news, the Cleveland area has been plagued recently by Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts. This has been a problem in major cities across the U.S.
In an effort to stem the thefts, the Lakewood Police Department has obtained a limited supply of steering wheel locks (The Club) from Hyundai and Kia. Lakewood residents who own a 2014 to 2021 Hyundai (key start only) or a 2011 to 2021 Kia (key start only) vehicle can stop by the LPD with proof of ownership & proof of Lakewood residency for a free device. Or better yet, get in touch with your Community Resource Officer by clicking here.
Hyundai and Kia Motor America vehicles have been targeted in a coordinated effort on social media. Criminals are targeting vehicles without engine immobilizers. Immobilizers became standard on all vehicles produced after November 1, 2021. In order to assist people with earlier model year vehicles without an immobilizer, Hyundai and Kia have been working with local police departments to make steering wheel locks available for affected Hyundai and Kia owners.
The Lakewood Police Department has a limited supply of locks at this time. If you have questions regarding availability, call the Lakewood Police Department Reserve Desk at 216-529-6789.
September 13, 2022
Media Release- report 22-002996 – follow up
On September 12, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the body of the male discovered on the shore of Lake Erie in Lakewood on September 10.
The male was identified as Adam J. Schwertner, a 35-year-old resident of Westlake, who had been reported to Westlake Police as missing on September 2. The Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released a cause of death. Lakewood Police detectives are working with the Westlake Police Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Schwertner’s disappearance and death. However, at this time, it is not believed that foul play is suspected.
The investigation is ongoing.
September 12, 2022
Media Release- report 22-002996
On September 10, 2022, at 5:41 pm, the Lakewood Police Department received a call of a body washed up on the rocks in Lake Erie behind 12700 Lake Avenue.
Upon officers’ arrival, they located the deceased body of an adult male partially submerged in the water. The body had no clothing or anything else that would lead to its immediate identification. It appeared that the body had been in the water for an extended period of time.
Lakewood Fire Department recovered the body, and it was released into the custody of personnel from the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
There were no calls of persons in the water or in distress in the area leading up to this incident. The investigation is ongoing.
April 25, 2022
Media Release update- report 22-001238
Charges were filed today in Lakewood Municipal Court against Franklin T. Kutz, a 36-year-old Westlake resident. On April 23, Mr. Kutz was driving eastbound on Clifton Boulevard, and struck a vehicle being driven by Josephine Sever. Ms. Sever later died at MetroHealth Hospital.
Mr. Kutz was charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide and Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence. The vehicular homicide charge is a felony of the second degree, punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Mr. Kutz posted his $50,000 bond and is no longer in police custody. It is unknown when he will be arraigned in Lakewood Municipal Court.
April 23, 2022
Media Release- report 22-001238
On April 23, 2022, at 1:34am, the Lakewood Police Department received a call of a traffic crash at the intersection of Cove Avenue and Clifton Boulevard. Upon officers’ arrivals, they located two vehicles to the east of Cove Avenue that had collided in the intersection.
The responding officers determined that a 2021 Mitsubishi Lancer was travelling southbound on Cove Avenue and stopped at the flashing red light at Clifton Boulevard. The vehicle then attempted to cross over Clifton Boulevard, and was struck by a 2019 Kia Sportage heading eastbound. Both vehicles came to rest on the north side of Clifton Boulevard after striking several parked vehicles.
The driver of the Mitsubishi was identified as Josephine Sever, a 55-year-old Lakewood resident. She was transported by Lakewood Paramedics to MetroHealth Hospital, where she died of her injuries.
The driver of the Kia was transported to Fairview Hospital, where he is in police custody at this time. His identity is not being released, pending the filing of possible charges.
Alcohol use is believed to be a contributing factor in this incident. The Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted the Lakewood Police Department in the crash investigation, which is ongoing.
February 11, 2022 – Update
Today, the suspect from yesterday’s altercation at Moon’s Food Store was criminally charged by the Lakewood Police Department. Chaun M. Cloyd, a 42-year-old man last known to reside in Akron, was charged with Aggravated Robbery, a first degree felony. His bond has been set at $10,000. It is unknown when he will be arraigned in the Lakewood Municipal Court.
The incident remains under investigation.
February 11, 2022
On Thursday, February 10, 2022, at about 6:25 p.m., Lakewood Police Dispatch received a call regarding a possible fight with an injured party at Moon’s Food Store, located at the corner of Bunts Road and Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Upon officers’ arrivals, they located a store employee who had a 3-4” vertical laceration on his face that was bleeding. Officers learned that the employee had confronted a possible shoplifter and escorted him out of the store, at which point a physical struggle ensued.
The employee and a witness stated that as the physical altercation began, the shoplifter pulled out a large “machete” style knife and began swinging it, striking the employee in the face. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. A short time later, officers located the suspect at the Lakewood Emergency Department, where he was apparently using the restroom to wash blood off himself. Officers arrested the suspect and took him into custody.
The store employee was transported to Fairview Hospital for treatment of his injury, which was not life-threatening. The suspect was taken to Lakewood Jail, where he remains at this time. He has not yet been charged in this incident.
The knife was recovered by officers at the store. The entire incident remains under investigation.
December 3, 2021
Charges were filed today in the Lakewood Municipal Court against James A. Wolf, a 54-year-old Parma resident, relating to the traffic crash that resulted in the death of Karen Mack. The original incident happened on November 22nd, 2021, at the intersection of West 117th Street and Clifton Boulevard. Ms. Mack was crossing West 117th Street in the crosswalk when she was struck by the vehicle driven by Mr. Wolf.
Mr. Wolf was charged with Vehicular Manslaughter, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine, along with Full Time and Attention and Clear View to Front, both of which are minor misdemeanors.
Mr. Wolf was released on citation and is due to appear in the Lakewood Municipal Court on December 14th at 9:00 a.m.
November 24, 2021
Media Release update- report 21-003673
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has identified the party fatally struck by a vehicle at West 117th Street and Clifton Boulevard as Karen Mack, a 57-year-old resident of Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland.
The incident remains under investigation at this time.
November 22, 2021
Media Release- report 21-003673
On November 22, 2021, at about 4:05 p.m., the Lakewood Police Department received a call of a traffic accident at the intersection of West 117th Street and Clifton Boulevard in Lakewood. Officers and Lakewood Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. Upon officers’ arrivals, they discovered that a female pedestrian had been hit by a truck as she crossed West 117th Street in the crosswalk. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene of the accident.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to assist Lakewood Police officers in their investigation.
The name of the pedestrian is not being released at this time pending confirmation of her identity and notification of her family members.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing. No arrests have been or charges filed at this time.
Southbound traffic on West 117th Street and eastbound traffic on Clifton Boulevard is currently being diverted.
November 18, 2021
Media Release- report 21-003610/3611/3614
On November 17th, 2021, at about 7:30 p.m., the Lakewood Police Department received a call of an attempted armed robbery that occurred on Nicholson Avenue near Emerson Avenue. Two suspects accosted a motorist as he exited his vehicle and demanded his keys while displaying a handgun. He refused to hand them over, and the suspects pushed the male to the ground and kicked him before fleeing the area on foot.
As officers were investigating this incident and searching for the suspects, another call was received at about 8:00 p.m., stating that a 2020 Jeep Compass had been taken at gunpoint by two suspects. This occurred on Merl Avenue near Nicholson Avenue. The vehicle owner was not injured during the incident. Shortly afterward, officers located the vehicle, attempted to stop it, and pursued it into Cleveland before ending the chase for safety reasons. Cleveland Police Department officers later located the vehicle parked and unoccupied, and it was returned to its owner.
At about 8:45 p.m., officers responded to another call of a vehicle taken at gunpoint from the City Center parking lot at the intersection Warren Road and Detroit Avenue. A silver 2020 Toyota Yaris was stolen from its owner right after she pulled into the parking lot. The suspect pressed a handgun into the vehicle owner’s side, and she was pushed to the ground, but was not injured. The suspect left with the vehicle and officers were unable to locate the suspect or the vehicle.
Officers and detectives continue to work on developing suspect descriptions and information and are investigating possible links between the three incidents. Residents are reminded to be aware of their surroundings, and to contact the Lakewood Police Department if they see any suspicious activity.
October 21, 2021
Media Release- report 21-003292 – **UPDATE **
On October 21, 2021, charges were filed against Jeremy J. McCusker, a 45 year old Lakewood resident, stemming from yesterday’s incident at Madison Park. He was charged with Kidnapping, a first degree felony.
Bond was set at $250,000 and Mr. McCusker remains in the Lakewood Jail. His first court appearance has not been scheduled.
The Lakewood Police Department’s investigation into the incident and Mr. McCusker is ongoing. It is believed that drugs and/or alcohol played a role in the suspect’s conduct. Thanks to the quick actions of the Lakewood Parks Security Guard, the youth’s soccer coach, other adults present, and Lakewood Police Officers, the suspect was subdued quickly before the incident could escalate.
October 20, 2021
Media Release- report 21-003292
On October 20th, 2021, at about 6:00pm, the Lakewood Police Department received a call of a suspicious male at Madison Park, possibly being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Shortly afterward, the caller indicated that the male had left, and then another call was received that the male had returned to the park.
Prior to officers’ arrival, the male approached several parties at the park, including some juveniles attending soccer practice. At one point, the male allegedly picked up a juvenile male and attempted to run away with him. Several adults quickly intervened, and the male was stopped several feet away. The juvenile male was released, and the bystanders restrained the male until Lakewood officers arrived and placed the suspect male under arrest. The suspect was transported to an area hospital for a medical evaluation, and he remains in police custody at this time.
No juveniles were harmed, and Lakewood officers briefed concerned parents on scene about the incident.
The suspect’s identity is not being released until formal charges are filed. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.
August 17, 2021
Media Release- report 21-002487
On August 16th 2021, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the body found along the Lakewood Park shoreline on August 14th as Nathaniel C. Henderson, a 45 year old resident of Center Ridge Road in Rocky River. Identification was completed through fingerprinting. Family members have been notified of his passing, and the Lakewood Police Department sends their condolences to Mr. Henderson’s family.
The circumstances of Mr. Henderson’s passing remain under investigation, although at this time, foul play is not suspected. Further details regarding this incident will be made available as they develop.
August 15, 2021
Media Release – Report #21-002487
On 08/14/2021, at approximately 1858hrs, Lakewood Dispatch received a call from the US Coast Guard indicating that they received a report of a body in the water and partially on the rocks at Lakewood Park.
Lakewood Police and Fire responded, and the body of a middle-aged black male was located in the water, in a cove at the northeast end of the park. No identification was located on the male’s person or in the surrounding area.
The male was believed to be approximately 5’10 tall, 150-170 lbs, and in his 40’s or 50’s. He had a moustache and goatee. The male was wearing a t-shirt with the words, “That Rich Life” on the front of it.
The investigation is on-going.
May 4, 2021
Media Release- report 21-001297a
On May 4, 2021, the Lakewood Police Department arrested a suspect in relation to the homicide of Shontell Rose, which occurred on May 2, 2021 at 2004 Elmwood Avenue in Lakewood.
Wilmarie A. Ford of West 90th Street in Cleveland, 22 years old, was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Murder. She does not currently have a bond, and her arraignment in Lakewood Municipal Court has not yet been scheduled.
Police also have an arrest warrant for Bruce E. Ford, 23 years old, also of West 90th Street in Cleveland. He has also been charged with Aggravated Murder. He is not currently in police custody. Both suspects’ exact roles in the murder remain under investigation, although it appears that both suspects knew the victim.
As part of the investigation, officers were called to Mr. Rose’s residence shortly after midnight on May 2 for a disturbance, some eight hours before Mr. Rose was murdered. That altercation was between Mr. Rose and a woman related to Mr. Ford. The relevance of this disturbance to the murder remains under investigation.
The 19-year-old party arrested by Lakewood Police on May 2 regarding the murder was released the same day without charges being filed. Detectives are still investigating his possible involvement and relationships with all involved parties.
This investigation is still ongoing, and future developments in the incident will be released when possible.
May 2, 2021
Media Release- report 21-001297
On May 2nd, 2021 at 9:22a.m., the Lakewood Police Department received a call of shots fired within an apartment building near the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Upon officers’ arrival, they were directed to 2004 Elmwood Avenue. After locating several spent shell casings outside the door of apartment #3, they forced entry into the apartment when they did not receive a response from within.
Inside, officers located a male who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Believed to be a 44-year-old Lakewood resident, the victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the medical examiner’s office.
At the request of the Lakewood Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting in processing the crime scene for evidence.
Police arrested a 19-year-old male at the scene several hours after the shooting. His possible involvement in the incident is under investigation, and his identity is being withheld pending the filing of any formal charges. Detectives are working to identify other parties possibly present at the shooting and are working on several promising leads.
This investigation is ongoing. Future developments in the incident will be released when possible.
April 16, 2021
Media Release- report 21-001107
On Friday, April 16th, Lakewood PD Detectives received information as to the identity of the male suspect from the Attempted Murder that had occurred at Madison Park on Tuesday, April 13th.
After positive identification was received and further follow-up conducted, Lakewood PD Detectives/Officers, with the assistance of the Westlake PD, responded to the Super 8 Hotel located at 25200 Sperry Drive in Westlake.
At approx. 1830 hours, EMMANUEL M. CEDENO (18 years of age) of the City of Lakewood was found in Room #221. CEDENO has been charged with Attempted Murder, a First-degree felony. CEDENO is currently in police custody, his bond has been set at $500,000 cash/surety but his initial appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Lakewood PD Detectives continue to investigate all leads associated with this case. The victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
April 15, 2021
Media Release- report 21-001107
This is a follow-up release regarding Tuesday’s incident at Madison Park in Lakewood.
This afternoon, charges were filed in Lakewood Municipal Court against an 18-year-old Cleveland resident as part of the investigation into Tuesday’s shooting at Madison Park in Lakewood.
Corey M. Froberg was charged with Complicity to Attempted Murder, a first-degree felony. He is currently in police custody and being held on a $250,000 cash bond. His initial appearance in court has yet to be scheduled.
Mr. Froberg’s vehicle, which is believed to have played a role in shooting, was located after it had apparently been abandoned in Cleveland. It is now in the custody of the Lakewood Police Department and will be thoroughly examined for forensic evidence.
The Lakewood Police Department is continuing to pursue other leads in this case, as well as working toward identifying other possible suspects. The entire incident remains under investigation.
April 13, 2021
Media Release- report 21-001107
On April 13, 2021 at 6:47 p.m., the Lakewood Police Department received a call of a male having been shot on the south side of Madison Park. Upon officers’ arrival, they located an 18-year-old male with two gunshot wounds to the chest. The male was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he was taken into surgery. His condition is unknown at this time.
It appeared that the male was in some kind of altercation at the park prior to being shot, but the nature of the altercation and the identities of involved parties are currently under investigation. The Lakewood Police Department is actively following up on several leads, but no further information is available at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation and further details will be released as they become available.
April 1, 2020
Media Release- report 21-000965
On April 1, 2021 at 1:20 p.m., the Lakewood Police Department received a call from a party who had just had his vehicle stolen at gunpoint on Beach Avenue just north of Detroit Avenue.
The vehicle owner stated that two black males approached him in his garage after they exited another vehicle on the street. The suspects displayed a handgun and demanded his car keys. The party handed over his keys, and the suspects got into his vehicle and left the area. Lakewood Police officers responded immediately upon receiving the call, but were unable to locate the stolen vehicle, or the other vehicle in which the suspects arrived. There was a short delay from the time of the theft to the time Lakewood Police received the call.
The stolen vehicle, a black 2013 Honda Civic bearing Ohio license plate FXH9238, was last observed on city surveillance cameras exiting Lakewood southbound on West 117th Street near Madison Avenue.
The vehicle’s owner was unharmed, and other nearby jurisdictions were notified of the theft. The incident remains under investigation.
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