Armed Man Found In Parking Lot Of Westlake Church: Police

WESTLAKE, OH — An armed man wearing a tactical vest was found in a vehicle at Parkside Church of the Nazarene, Westlake Police said. Police added they also found suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the man's vehicle.

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 1:20 p.m., callers reported seeing a suspicious man parked in the church/school parking lot. When officers arrived, they spotted a Ford Crown Vic with the man inside.

The man was wearing a "tactical style" vest with the word "Agent" written on it. Luckily, the investigating officer didn't take the vest at face value and continued to investigate, police said.

The man in the car — a 39-year-old from Sheffield Lake — was found to have what police believe was methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in his car, police added. Officers said they also found a handgun in the trunk of the Crown Vic.

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Police said the man had "no legitimate story" to explain why he was at the church. The man was then arrested and is being charged with having weapons under disability, possession of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, police said.

Parkside Church of the Nazarene has a preschool and offers child care services, according to their website.

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