Solon Police Blotter: Shoplifting, Extortion, and Drug Possession

SOLON, Ohio – The Solon Police Department released its weekly update detailing recent law enforcement activity, which features a variety of incidents including retail theft, financial extortion, and felony drug arrests. Local authorities are actively investigating multiple cases, ranging from unpaid merchandise at local businesses to an online scam that defrauded a resident out of hundreds of dollars. This report outlines key offenses handled by Solon officers between June 13 and June 19, 2026. Shoplifting and Fraud Incidents Highlighted in Solon Police Blotter On June 13, a manager at Hobby Lobby on SOM Center Road reported a shoplifting incident that occurred a month prior on May 16. A recent video audit revealed a male and a female suspect filling a shopping cart with approximately $494 in hobby supplies before exiting without paying. The female suspect is described as having brown hair in a bun and wearing glasses, accompanied by a younger-looking white male carrying a skateboard. Additionally, on June 19, officers responded to the Circle K on Aurora Road after a man allegedly left with cigars after his credit card was rejected. Police located the suspect's tan Chevy Malibu parked on Aurora Road. When questioned, the suspect provided misleading identity information to the officers. After determining his true identity, police learned he lacked a valid driver's license. The suspect was arrested and charged with Obstructing Official Business and Driving without a License, and was issued a criminal trespass warning for the business. Online Extortion Investigation Launched by Detectives A 40-year-old Solon resident reported an online extortion scheme at police headquarters on June 16. The victim stated he began chatting with an individual he believed to be a woman on Reddit before moving the conversation to Telegram. After exchanging personal images, the suspect threatened to distribute the photos to the victim's friends and family unless money was sent via the gifting platform Throne. The victim complied and sent a total of $1,500 across two transactions before contacting the police. The victim's bank has reimbursed the funds, and detectives are currently investigating the case. Felony Drug Possession and Public Intoxication Arrests Officers discovered a 56-year-old Solon man lying near a brick wall at the intersection of Cromwell and Pettibone roads on June 16 after receiving a report of a person experiencing a medical issue or drug overdose. Arriving officers found the man holding a can of White Claw alcoholic beverage. A subsequent search revealed a suspected crack pipe and suspected powder heroin in a paper fold inside his wallet. The suspect was arrested and charged with felony Possession of Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia. In a separate incident on June 14, officers responded to a parking lot at the Sherbrook Garden condos on SOM Center Road regarding a screaming individual. Police located an emotional, highly intoxicated 23-year-old Willoughby man involved in a property dispute with a local resident. When escorted to the resident's home to resolve the issue, the man became irate, leading to his arrest for Disorderly Conduct. Property Damage and Traffic Stop Warrant Arrests Property crimes and traffic enforcement also resulted in police action this week: Criminal Damaging on South Roundhead Drive: On June 17, an 18-year-old male was cited for Criminal Damaging after an argument with his ex-girlfriend led him to strike and break a side mirror on her family's Subaru. Exploding Mailbox on Witch Hazel Lane: A resident reported on June 19 that her mailbox had been destroyed, appearing to have been blown up with a firecracker the previous night. A neighbor reported hearing a loud boom. A similar incident occurred in Orange Village the same evening, and the area has been placed on special patrol attention. Warrant Arrest on Solon Road: A traffic stop on a gray Kia for a window tint violation near Cochran Road on June 15 revealed the 28-year-old driver had an active felony arrest warrant. He was arrested and transferred to the Willoughby Police Department.