Wanted Man Caught With Drug Paraphernalia, Open Containers in Berea

Police cited three people after finding drug evidence and alcohol in their truck during a traffic stop.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 45-year-old wanted man from Garfield Heights, along with a 49-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man from Maple Heights, were cited by Berea police on February 7th after officers found drug paraphernalia and open containers of alcohol in their Ford F-150 pickup truck during a traffic stop.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals with outstanding warrants and suspected drug use, especially when they are operating motor vehicles and potentially endangering public safety.

The details

Police pulled over the truck for a turn signal violation and non-working taillights. The female driver exhibited signs of intoxication, and the male passenger from Garfield Heights had several outstanding warrants related to prior drug charges. A drug-sniffing K-9 indicated the presence of narcotics, and police found a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue as well as an open bottle of vodka in the vehicle.

  • The incident occurred around 9:30 pm on February 7, 2026.

The players

45-year-old Garfield Heights man

The wanted passenger in the truck who had prior drug-related convictions.

49-year-old Maple Heights woman

The driver of the truck who exhibited signs of intoxication.

49-year-old Maple Heights man

The front passenger in the truck.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Garfield Heights police did not want to pick up the wanted man, so Berea police advised him to turn himself in.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals with outstanding warrants and suspected drug use, especially when they are operating motor vehicles and potentially endangering public safety.