Solon Police Reports: Multiple Scams, Man Flees Police and Caught by K9, Weapons Charges

CRIME REPORTS

July 27

Underage Driver Cited for Improper Firearm Handling A 19-year-old woman was cited for improper handling of a firearm after being stopped for speeding on US 422 eastbound near SOM Center Road. Keona Ruff was traveling 79 mph in a 60 mph zone when an officer pulled her over at the Burger King parking lot on Aurora Road. During the stop, the officer observed a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Ruff was cited for improper handling of a firearm, a second-degree misdemeanor for drivers under 21, and received a warning for speeding. The weapon was seized and Ruff was released.

Solon Man Loses $200,000 in Bitcoin Scam A 53-year-old Solon man reported losing $200,000 after falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam. The victim said he watched a YouTube video titled “Breaking News, BlackRock CEO ABOUT CRYPTO” which appeared to feature the real BlackRock CEO. The video instructed viewers to scan a QR code and send Bitcoin to have it doubled. After scanning the code, the victim gave the scammers access to his Bitcoin account and transferred the full amount. When offered the option to bypass a three-day safety waiting period, he authorized immediate transfer. No Bitcoin was returned. Detectives are investigating.

July 28

Employee Loses $3,750 in Gift Card Scam A 22-year-old Chagrin Falls woman employed at Partners Environmental on Solon Road reported being scammed out of $3,750. The victim received an email from someone impersonating her boss, directing her to purchase Target gift cards as part of an employee appreciation promotion. After buying the cards and providing PIN numbers to the scammer, a coworker informed her it was fraudulent. The gift card balances had been completely used. The victim paid with personal funds, not a company credit card. Detectives are investigating.

Warren Man Charged with Marijuana OVI Gage Thompson, 22, of Warren was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence after being stopped for speeding 87 mph in a 60 mph zone on the freeway. The officer detected the smell of burnt marijuana and observed Thompson speaking in a slow, lethargic manner. Thompson admitted to smoking marijuana four hours before driving and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. A breath test detected no alcohol, but a urine sample was collected for drug screening. Thompson was charged with OVI, a first-degree misdemeanor, and speeding. His vehicle was towed.

July 30

Bedford Heights Woman Arrested on Weapons Charge Akieya Armstrong, 34, of Bedford Heights was arrested on multiple charges during a traffic stop near Cannon and Richmond roads. Officers initially stopped her black Kia for expired plates and discovered she had a suspended license and an active warrant from Macedonia Police for failure to appear. When asked about firearms in the vehicle, Armstrong said no. However, an inventory search prior to towing revealed a loaded semi-automatic pistol in her purse. Armstrong was cited for carrying a concealed weapon, driving under suspension and expired plates before being turned over to Macedonia Police.

Cleveland Man Flees Police, Caught by K9 and Drone Randy Gray, 38, of Cleveland was arrested after fleeing from police at speeds exceeding 100 mph in a 35 mph zone. An officer attempted to stop Gray’s black Pontiac on US 422 eastbound near Harper Road for dark window tint and an obstructed temporary tag. Gray ran a red light at Harper Road and Aurora before accelerating away. Officers discontinued pursuit but Glenwillow Police located the abandoned vehicle on Pettibone near Bond Street. Solon Police used a K9 unit and drone to track and arrest Gray, who had an active felony warrant from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority for a sex offender registration violation. Gray was charged with failure to comply, a third-degree felony, red light violation and driving in marked lanes.

August 1

Aurora Woman Refuses Breath Test After OVI Arrest Yolanda Albergottie, 60, of Aurora was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence after being stopped for speeding 53 mph in a 35 mph zone on Aurora Road eastbound at Woodlands Lane. Albergottie told the officer she had consumed one glass of wine earlier in the evening but performed poorly on field sobriety tests. She refused a breath test at Solon Jail, resulting in an administrative license suspension. Albergottie was charged with OVI, speeding, no seatbelt and traveling left of center. Her vehicle was towed.

August 2

Solon Woman Loses $4,500 in Employment Scam A 30-year-old Solon woman on Bainbridge Road reported losing $4,500 in a fraudulent employment scheme. The victim was hired by “Lifepoint Health” for a remote work position and received a $3,000 check to purchase work supplies. After depositing the check, she was directed to transfer funds to three different people for equipment purchases. She later learned the original check was invalid and had actually paid out $4,500. An officer is investigating.

August 4

Elderly Woman Targeted in Gift Card Scam An 80-year-old Solon woman reported losing $3,000 to scammers impersonating American Express agents. The victim received a phone call claiming suspicious activity on her account required immediate action. She was instructed to purchase gift cards and provide PIN numbers to the fake agent. The woman became suspicious and stopped contact but remains responsible for $3,000 in charges.