Suspected drug user arrested at Cleveland supermarket

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Cleveland Heights police responded to a call at a Dave's Supermarket where a woman had entered the store, removed her shoes, and began screaming while taking items off the shelves and eating and drinking them. Store employees approached the woman, but she became angry and shouted obscenities at them. Police arrived, believed the woman to be under the influence of drugs, and took her to the hospital for evaluation before charging her with disorderly conduct.

Why it matters

Incidents of disorderly and erratic behavior in public places can raise concerns about public safety, mental health, and the role of law enforcement in responding to such situations. This case highlights the challenges retailers and communities face in dealing with individuals who may be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.

The details

According to the police report, the woman entered the Dave's Supermarket, removed her shoes, and began screaming while taking items off the shelves and consuming them. When store employees approached her to check on her mental status, she became angry and shouted obscenities at them. Police were called to the scene and found the woman eating Little Debbie snacks in the store. The officer believed the woman to be under the influence of drugs, as she mentioned crack cocaine and said her mouth was dry and she needed water. The woman was placed in the back of the officer's cruiser, but continued shouting and banging on the door. She was then handcuffed and taken to the hospital for evaluation before being charged with disorderly conduct.

• At 2:30 p.m. on February 19, police were dispatched to Dave's Supermarket.
• The incident occurred on February 19.

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