Signs Of Drug Use Found During 2 Westlake Traffic Stops

WESTLAKE, OH — Police found evidence of drug use during two traffic stops this past week.

At 7 a.m. on July 11, police stopped a car on Hilliard, near Bassett, because of a license plate problem. The driver, a 22-year-old Cleveland woman, lied about her identity, police said. Officers discovered the woman's real identity and learned she had a suspended license.

Police also saw evidence of "drug possession in plain view," according to a department spokesperson.

The driver was cited with falsification and driving with a suspended license. She was given a court date in Rocky River Municipal Court.

One day later, at 10 a.m. on July 12, police stopped a car leaving the Red Roof Inn on Clemens. Officers saw signs of drug use in the car and then found a loaded, semi-automatic handgun in the vehicle.

The driver, a 27-year-old Bedford man, had misdemeanor warrants from Shaker Heights and Warrensville police. Neither agency could take the man, so he was released after officers took the gun, drug paraphernalia and suspected marijuana into evidence.

A grand jury will review the 27-year-old's case to determine what charges, if any, he could face.