'Safety My Top Priority,' Lakewood Mayor Says After Recent Crimes

LAKEWOOD, OH — Expanded surveillance camera networks and other security options are being explored in Lakewood following two shooting incidents in recent weeks, Mayor Meghan George announced.

She said the safety of Lakewood residents is her top priority. Police have been ordered to use all resources at their disposal to investigate these recent crimes, George said.

"While our Patrol Division of the Police Department is fully staffed, I am exploring options to expand and enhance their presence in parks including options such as expanding our surveillance camera networks," George said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

On Tuesday night, a man went into a Metro PCS store and fired his gun multiple times, police announced. No one was hurt and the suspect was taken into custody. He is now being held on a $1 million bond and is accused of attempted murder, George announced Wednesday.

The incident at Metro PCS follows a shooting at Madison Park on March 11. Multiple gunshots were fired at the park and one person was both wounded and taken into custody, police reported. Investigation into that incident is ongoing.

"While these are unrelated isolated incidents they are of utmost concern and are receiving the immediate attention of city personnel," George said.

In response to the two shooting incidents, George and several city officials, including Laewood Police Chief Kevin Kaucheck, will hold a virtual town hall on March 25. All residents are invited to attend. Discussion will begin at 7 p.m. Interested participants should email Council@LakewoodOH.net or Mayor@LakewoodOH.net to register and get the Zoom link.