Suspected Overdose In Apartment Parking Lot In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — A 46-year-old man suffered a suspected overdose in the early morning hours on April 21. Callers reported seeing the man struggling inside a car parked on Detroit Road.

Police arrived at the scene at about 5:45 a.m. The man was still inside the vehicle suffering the suspected overdose. Officers found a hypodermic syringe (or needle) in his possession.

The man was eventually medically cleared and was then arrested for physical control, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drug instruments. A Lakewood Police spokesperson did not reveal what the suspected narcotic was.

Addictions and overdose rates have spiked in Ohio in recent years — largely because of the spread of the opioid epidemic. Lakewood residents have an easy path to helping stem the ascent of those addiction rates.

"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. Lakewood 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 Lakewood Police Department, 12650 Detroit Road. Liquid medications are typically not accepted during these events.

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