Stow Police Reports: Theft, Disorderly Conduct and Drug and Alcohol Enforcement Efforts Continue

Wave of Retail Theft Hits Stow Businesses

Shoplifting incidents dominated the Stow Police Department’s activity log last week with seven separate arrests. The most serious occurred on May 1 when officers apprehended a suspect at Kent Road who not only faces theft charges but also obstruction of official business after allegedly interfering with the investigation. Another notable incident involved a suspect arrested on May 4 at Kent Road for shoplifting while driving with a 12-point license suspension – a status that typically results from multiple serious traffic violations. The string of retail thefts primarily targeted businesses along the busy Kent Road commercial corridor, with Hudson Drive merchants also reporting multiple incidents.

Disorderly Conduct Cases Reveal Weekend Pattern

Officers responded to several disorderly conduct calls throughout the week, with incidents increasing during late night and early morning hours. A particularly busy stretch began around midnight on May 3 when police closed a case involving disorderly conduct after warning at Bridgewater Parkway. The pattern continued into the weekend with intoxication-related disturbances reported at Call Road and later at the intersection of Conwill Road and Klein Avenue, where public intoxication charges were filed. Earlier in the week, officers made an arrest at Clearbrook Drive for fighting or threatening behavior, underscoring the department’s zero-tolerance approach to public disturbances.

Drug and Alcohol Enforcement Efforts Continue

The department’s ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse resulted in several arrests last week. A driver was apprehended for operating a vehicle under the influence on Graham Road during the early morning hours of May 3, with the additional charge of operating an unsafe vehicle. In a separate incident, officers arrested an individual for marijuana possession at the intersection of West Main Street and Louise Street in neighboring Kent. Perhaps most concerning was a May 4 arrest at East Steels Corners Road, where the suspect faces charges for possession of Schedule I or II controlled substances along with driving under suspension – highlighting the dangerous combination of drug possession and illegal driving.

Truancy and Juvenile Cases Receive Police Attention

School attendance issues prompted police intervention with truancy arrests on both April 29 and May 1 at Graham Road. The department also handled a case involving juvenile disobedience at Kent Road on May 4, resulting in an arrest. These incidents reflect the department’s partnership with local schools to address attendance problems and behavioral issues. In a more serious development, officers responded to a child/elder abuse report on May 1, which was subsequently transferred to another agency with specialized resources for such sensitive cases.

Other Notable Police Activity

Police responded to a range of other incidents throughout the week. A vehicle pursuit ended as a closed case on Stow Road on April 30, though details about the circumstances remain limited. Officers also issued a warrant for violation of a protection order on April 30, illustrating the department’s commitment to enforcing court orders designed to protect vulnerable individuals. Animal control matters weren’t overlooked, with officers responding to a report of an animal bite on Beckley Road. The department also investigated two fraud cases involving identity theft and a passing bad checks incident on Uniondale Drive, showing the increasing prevalence of financial crimes in the community.