Solon Police Reports: Hit-and-Run, High-Speed Pursuit and Horse Trailer Scam

Assault Cases

Bicyclist Struck in Hit-and-Run on Miles Road
A 74-year-old Willoughby Hills man suffered serious injuries when struck by a vehicle while cycling eastbound on Miles Road near Miles Farmer’s Market on April 18 at 4:59 pm. The driver, operating a black Acura Integra, fled the scene after the collision. Through investigation of traffic camera footage, officers identified and located the vehicle at a residence in Novelty on April 20. Benjamin Charles Wells, 47, of Novelty, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Vehicular Assault (F3) and Hit-Skip (M1). The vehicle was seized as evidence. The victim remained hospitalized as of Monday afternoon, with some aspects of the case still under investigation.

Domestic Dispute Leads to Arrest on North Roundhead
Officers responded to a domestic disturbance call on North Roundhead Drive on April 14 at 8:25 pm. A 59-year-old resident reported his son had threatened him during an outburst before leaving the home. The son had reportedly cut his hand while preparing food in the kitchen. Officers located the suspect driving a black Honda sedan in the neighborhood and detained him when he returned to the property. After receiving medical treatment for his injury, the 30-year-old Solon man was arrested and charged with Domestic Violence (M2) for making threats.

OVI/Traffic Incident

North Carolina Man Flees With Open Vodka Bottle
A white Jeep traveling 48 MPH in a 35 MPH zone caught an officer’s attention on SOM Center Road near Bainbridge Road on April 19 at 12:30 am. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver briefly pulled over, driving over a curb, before speeding away. The pursuit continued into Twinsburg, where police deployed a Stop Stick near Ravenna Road, deflating one of the vehicle’s tires. The suspect finally stopped in Hudson after the damaged tire disintegrated. The driver, Rex Lanier, 60, of Burlington, NC, was arrested after performing poorly on field sobriety tests and refusing a breath test. An open bottle of vodka was discovered in the vehicle, which was impounded as a criminal tool. Lanier faces multiple charges including Fleeing and Eluding (F3), Possessing Criminal Tools (F5), OVI (M1), No Driver’s License (MM), Speeding (MM), Driving in Marked Lanes (MM), and Open Container (MM). No injuries were reported.

Fraud Case

Facebook Horse Trailer Scam Costs Solon Man Nearly $5,000
A 43-year-old Solon resident reported being defrauded of $4,900 on April 18. The victim attempted to purchase a horse trailer from “William’s Horse Trailer Source,” supposedly based in McCook, Nebraska, after seeing their advertisement in a Facebook group. After making the initial payment for the trailer and delivery, the seller requested an additional $1,000 for “registration fees,” raising the victim’s suspicions. When the victim declined to pay the additional amount and requested a refund, the company blocked his phone number and failed to deliver the trailer. The company has since reposted the trailer for sale in another Facebook group. Investigators believe the company is not legitimate.