Narcotics May Have Led To 4-Car Accident In Westlake: Police

WESTLAKE, OH — Narcotics may have played a part in a four-vehicle car crash in Westlake on Thursday, police announced.

At 9:20 a.m., callers reported a multi-vehicle accident near the Hilliard and Clague intersection. A car hit four other vehicles waiting for a traffic light to turn, police said.

While investigating the accident, several witnesses indicated that the at-fault was intoxicated, police said.

The at-fault driver was a 30-year-old from Vermilion, police said. He admitted to being addicted to opioids, police said. He was transported to the hospital and faces a charge of operating a vehicle impaired.

Drug paraphernalia and a syringe were found in his car, police said.

The other drivers involved in the accident reported suffering minor injuries.

Based on data from the first quarter of 2021, Cuyahoga County is on pace to again see over 700 overdose deaths. Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County medical examiner, issued a public health alert on April 7, warning that overdoses were spiking countywide again.

"This is a serious development and the community should be aware of this spike in overdose deaths," Gilson said. "Some preliminary data suggests minority communities may be more vulnerable in this outbreak. Risk reduction strategies like naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips are available at no cost and are effective at saving lives."

Free fentanyl test strips are available at the following locations:

• Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
• Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
• Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)
• MetroHealth – Mobile Unit (3370 W.25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109)

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible program participants, are given free Naloxone kits – the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.