Suspicious Man Taking Pics Of Kids At Crocker Park Arrested

WESTLAKE, OH — Parents reportedly saw a suspicious man taking pictures of children while they were playing at the splash pad at Crocker Park. The man eluded security at the time, but was arrested when he returned to the shopping complex.

The man first attracted attention on July 24, during the Crocker Kids Event. That's when he was seen snapping photos of playing kids, police said.

At that time, parents became alarmed and contacted both Crocker Park security and Westlake Police. However, officers could not find the man at the shopping complex.

That incident was still under investigation when, on August 9, police got a call saying the man had returned to Crocker Park property. Officers tracked the man down and found him inside of his car. The suspect is a 40-year-old man from North Olmsted.

Investigators found handcuffs, a blackjack weapon and marijuana in the man's possession. The man was arrested and is being charged with possession of marijuana and carrying various weapons. Police are still investigating the photo incident, so no charges have been made related to that case.

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Photo of items found in the man's car from Westlake Police