Statement by Mayor George on Recent Criminal Activity in Lakewood

The recent criminal activity in Lakewood is under investigation by the Lakewood Police Department. Any crime, especially those involving weapons is taken very seriously. I am ordering the Police Department to deploy all resources to investigate these crimes and for our Law Department to prosecute these matters to the fullest extent of the law.  The Lakewood Police Department and I place the safety of Lakewood as our top priority. No resource or expense will be spared as we prosecute these individuals.

Due to the swift and competent actions of the Lakewood Police Department the suspect in the MetroPCS incident last evening has been apprehended on a charge of attempted murder. He is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond and bound over to the Cuyahoga County grand jury where he will face additional charges.

While these are unrelated isolated incidents they are of utmost concern and are receiving the immediate attention of city personnel. I have been in several meetings with leadership in the Police and Law Department about increased measures we can take immediately. While our Patrol Division of the Police Department is fully staffed, I am exploring options to expand and enhance their presence in parks including options such as expanding our surveillance camera networks.

Council President O’Malley, Chief Kaucheck, Captain Albrecht, and I are having a virtual town hall next Thursday evening, March 25th at 7:00pm to discuss safety concerns. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome. Please email Council@LakewoodOH.net or Mayor@LakewoodOH.net to register and get the Zoom link.