Serial Shoplifter Twice Snatches Rogaine From Westlake Stores

WESTLAKE, OH — A Cleveland man twice shoplifted Rogaine from Westlake stores this month, police announced. The man was taken into custody after both incidents.

On April 14, police saw a car pull out of the CVS Pharmacy on Detroit Road. It cut off another car and then went down Savannah Parkway. Officers were then sent to Savannah Parkway for suspicious persons running through backyards.

The car seen exiting the CVS was found abandoned in a parking lot on Savannah. There appeared to be stolen merchandise in the backseat, including Rogaine, whitening strips for teeth and baby formula. There was more than $1,000 in stolen goods in the car, CVS later confirmed.

Police also found hypodermic needles and glass smoking pipes in the vehicle.

Officers tracked down the suspicious runners at the Promenade Shopping Center. The Cleveland man and a woman were taken into custody. The car was towed from the parking lot.

On April 22, at 5 p.m., staff at the Rite Aid at Dover Center called police and said two shoplifters had just run out of their store. Another Rite Aid employee gave chase.

The suspects were found hiding behind a dumpster at the Speedway Gas Station across from the Rite Aid. Witnesses told police a blue vehicle drove away after appearing to wait for the suspects. A woman from Willoughby and a Cleveland man were identified as the suspects.

Officers then realized the 35-year-old man was the same suspect from the April 14 shoplifting. He was found in possession of stolen Rogaine. He told police he was going to return the items for cash, according to Westlake police spokesperson.

Both the Willoughby woman and the Cleveland man faces charges for theft. City prosecutors are also filing additional charges for violating the state's stay-at-home order.