Recently Released Felon Caught with Stolen Firearm During Traffic Stop
April 29
A routine traffic stop for texting while driving turned into a significant arrest when Macedonia police discovered a convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm.
An officer observed a driver using his cell phone while traveling southbound on I-271. The Cleveland resident couldn’t produce a license or proof of insurance when stopped. A records check revealed the driver had no valid license and multiple warrants through Cleveland Police Department.
While inventorying the vehicle before towing, officers discovered a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine in the glove box. The firearm, later confirmed stolen from Akron, was found with one round chambered, fifteen rounds in the magazine, and an additional extended magazine containing twenty-four rounds.
During transport to jail, the suspect confessed to acquiring the weapon after his prison release just days earlier, claiming, “people have been threatening my life.” Court records showed the man had previously been convicted of Strangulation (F-3) and Domestic Violence (F-4) in 2023.
Timothy TL Neal faces multiple felony charges including Having Weapons Under Disability, Receiving Stolen Property, Carrying Concealed Weapons, and Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle, along with traffic violations.
Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested for OVI After Fleeing Crash Scene
May 10
Macedonia police arrested a local resident for OVI after he struck a parked Ford Bronco and attempted to flee on foot.
Officers responded to a collision at Smokerise and Riverview where witnesses reported the driver had left the scene walking eastbound. Police located the suspect within minutes, observing him stumbling as he walked.
Upon contact, the man immediately claimed, “I just went home to look for my wife, man, I did not see that car.” Officers noted obvious signs of impairment including slurred speech, strong odor of alcohol, and difficulty maintaining balance.
When questioned about his alcohol consumption, the suspect initially evaded the question before eventually admitting, “Probably more than I should have.” Field sobriety tests revealed multiple indicators of impairment, including glassy eyes, dilated pupils, and inability to follow instructions or maintain balance.
After refusing a breath test at the station, Kenneth Dale Puffenbarger was charged with OVI, failure to control, and leaving the scene of an accident.
More Arrests and Incidents
Cleveland Man Arrested with Stolen Rental Vehicle
May 2
A Flock camera alert led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of its driver at a Macedonia fast-food restaurant.
The system identified a 2024 Toyota RAV4 with Maryland plates that had been reported stolen through Bedford Police Department. Officers located the vehicle in a drive-thru and questioned the Cleveland occupants.
The female driver claimed the vehicle was a rental, while her boyfriend stated his uncle had rented it for him. Officers discovered the male passenger had an outstanding warrant from Garfield Heights, and his explanation for possessing the vehicle changed several times during questioning.
The vehicle, which should have been returned on March 20 after being rented on March 13, was towed at the request of Bedford police. Malik Del-Lante Lashae Lindsey was arrested for receiving stolen property.
Local Man Arrested for Violating Protection Order
May 1
A Macedonia resident was arrested after repeatedly violating a Civil Protection Order obtained by his wife.
The victim reported that despite being served with the CPO on April 21, her husband continued to contact her daily, providing police with evidence of seven text messages and eight calls over a period of several days. She also stated he repeatedly drove past her home and watched her from across the street at her workplace.
When contacted, the husband admitted to his actions and later came to the police station where he was arrested. Kurtis A. Chapple was charged with violating a protection order through Stow Municipal Court.
Other Incidents
Macedonia police also handled several other cases, including:
- An Akron driver arrested for OVI after his vehicle left the roadway and mounted a sidewalk on E. Highland Road. Though he blew 0.000 on a breath test, Frederick Joseph Reynolds showed multiple signs of impairment and was charged after refusing a urine test. His wife later called police stating they had consumed “chocolate bars from a smoke shop” the previous day.
- A North Jackson employee working in Macedonia reported receiving threatening messages after a job applicant became hostile during a phone interview. The victim blocked the caller’s number only to receive threatening messages from two other numbers.
- A semi-truck driver from New York got stuck in a residential yard after his GPS directed him to the wrong location. The Macedonia homeowner was temporarily blocked from leaving his property until a towing company could extract the vehicle.
- An Oakwood driver reported damage to her vehicle after a rock was allegedly kicked up by a lawn mower as she passed a Macedonia residence.
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