Shoplifter Leads Westlake Police On High-Speed Chase, Escapes

WESTLAKE, OH — A Red Bull thief led police on a high-speed car chase before eluding officers. Westlake Police are now asking the public for help identifying and locating the suspect.

The theft happened Nov. 8 at approximatly 3:25 p.m., police said. A white man, with short, curly black hair and a beard came into the Shell Tru North gas station at the corner of Crocker and Clemens roads.

After standing around the store for a few minutes, the man picked up a couple of cases of Red Bull and ran out without paying for them. He jumped into an SUV and sped onto I-90, police said.

A patrolling Westlake officer spotted the man's speeding SUV and ran the license plate. The vehicle had been reported stolen by Cleveland Police.

Westlake Police began pursuing the vehicle while going east on I-90. Officers put on their lights and siren, but the SUV would not stop. For safety reasons, the pursuit was terminated.

Investigators have recently received images of the suspect, pulled from the gas station's surveillance video. Anyone that recognizes the suspect or has information about the crime is asked to call Westlake Police at at 440-871-3311.

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Photos from Westlake Police