An arrest has been made for the incident that caused a lockout for two schools in Westlake, say police.
Police say they received a call from Nordstrom Rack's loss prevention, indicating a person in the store was hiding numerous perfume bottles and was expected to leave without paying.
The individual walked out of the store with approximately 45 bottles in stolen bags and on her person, police said.
According to police, officers tried to stop the getaway vehicle, but it was pursued eastbound on Detroit Road and southbound on Bassett Road. The pursuit ended due to safety concerns in the area, and the vehicle was found abandoned in the driveway of a Bassett residence.
Police say they set a perimeter of officers from Westlake and North Olmsted and launched drones to search for the suspect.
Officers found the 40-year-old from Toledo about 40 minutes later, and they were transported to the Westlake jail, police said.
Authorities say no accomplice was found; theft and fleeing charges are expected.
How were the schools affected?
Dover Intermediate School and Lee Burneson Middle School were on a precautionary lockout for police activity in the area, but there was no immediate threat. Both schools located on the 2200 block of Dover Center Road had their exterior doors secured.
"There is no immediate threat to the school, and all students and staff are safe. We are closely coordinating with law enforcement and will remain in lockout until their situation is resolved," school officials said in a message to families.
Students and staff continued normal activities while the lockout was in effect.
"We will keep you informed as the situation evolves. In the meantime, we ask that you avoid coming to the school to ensure that all safety protocols remain effective," school officials said.
The City of Westlake released a statement saying police were searching for a shoplifter, adding, "You will see increased police activity on and around Bassett Rd/Dover Center and the Dover schools."
The city said there was no threat to the public.
"We just want to assure that no unauthorized person is able to enter a school due to the proximity of the incident," the city said in its statement. "We anticipate that schools WILL dismiss at normal times. Increased officers will be present for school dismissals."
