Home Broken Into In Avon Lake, Pain Killers Stolen

AVON LAKE, OH — The opioid epidemic has a nasty habit of rearing its multitude of heads in a community, like a hydra discovering new ways to hurt its victims. Police and paramedics experienced two of those painful discoveries over the past two weeks.

First, a Vineyard Road resident came home to discover their home had been broken into. Walking into disarray, the resident tried to determine what had been taken, if anything. The answer revealed itself eventually: prescription Oxycodone, an opioid-based painkiller.

Police are still investigating the burglary. Then, about 10 days later on April 22, the opioid epidemic reared its head in a more traditional way.

Paramedics and police were called to an Avon Lake home for reports of a possible drug overdose. The woman was treated at the scene, but refused transportation to the hospital. It's not clear yet what the woman was possibly overdosing on.

How can residents do their part to take down the hydra-like opioid epidemic?

"We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said in a press release. "Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio."

National Drug Take Back Day is April 28. Avon Lake Police will again host a drop-off site where residents can hand over their unwanted prescription medications and rest comfortably knowing police will handle disposal.

The drop-off site is at the Avon Lake Police Department, 32855 Walker Rd. Liquid medications will not be accepted at the department.

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