In the pre-dawn darkness of June 13, 2025, the parking lot of the Travelodge by Wyndham hotel on Brookpark Road became the scene of an arrest that revealed a hidden fight against drugs in the Cleveland suburb. A 27-year-old woman from Cleveland was detained by police after stopping a Toyota Tundra, which raised suspicion due to the absence of a visible license plate, and she admitted to hiding crack cocaine in her mouth. This incident, unfolding in the shadow of the growing economic ambitious project of Brookpark, emphasizes the ongoing struggle of Northeast Ohio with the drug crisis, which persists even in prosperous suburbs.
Jackson Township police, patrolling the area at 1:30 a.m., noticed a Tundra pickup truck parked near the hotel at 14043 Brookpark Road, known for its proximity to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. According to Officer James Cole, the behavior at the parking lot — quick exit from the hotel, getting into the vehicle, and returning — raised suspicion of possibly drug deals. When the Tundra headed west, police stopped it near West 150th Street and found a license plate hidden behind tinted rear glass, which violates Ohio registration visibility laws.
Details of the arrest
During a conversation with the passenger, whose trembling hands and avoidance of eye contact caused concern, police learned that the 40-year-old driver had multiple convictions for possession and trafficking of drugs. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, officers found a crack pipe on the passenger side floor — described by the Jackson Township Police Department as “typical for drug use.” Under pressure, the woman admitted she was hiding a piece of crack cocaine in her mouth — a tactic that, according to police, is increasingly common among small-time drug couriers to avoid detection.
The woman was arrested on charges of drug possession, and the driver was detained for further questioning, although charges against him had not been filed at the time of writing. Police did not disclose the weight or value of the confiscated crack cocaine, but according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the street price of such a drug in Ohio is $100–150 per gram. The suspects’ identities have not been released as the investigation continues, and police urge witnesses to call 216-433-1234.
Context of the crisis
This arrest is a microcosm of Ohio’s broader fight against the drug epidemic, which, despite a 12% decrease in opioid overdose deaths since 2020, continues to devastate communities, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Crack cocaine, a cheaper and fast-acting alternative to powdered cocaine, remains an issue in Cleveland’s urban and suburban areas where its availability is fueled by networks of small dealers. According to the DEA, in 2024, 22 kilograms of cocaine and its derivatives were seized in Cuyahoga County, representing a 15% increase over the previous year. Brookpark, located at the intersection of key highways I-71 and I-480, serves as a convenient transit hub for such operations.
Travelodge, a modest establishment with 139 rooms, has repeatedly appeared in police reports for minor crimes ranging from theft to prostitution. Local residents who spoke to Cleveland.com express frustration that the area, being promoted as an upcoming economic hub due to plans by Haslam Sports Group to build a new Cleveland Browns stadium costing $2.4 billion, still struggles with issues like these. “We want Brookpark to be associated with progress, not drugs,” said Elaine Crosby, a local entrepreneur whose store is half a mile from the hotel.
Challenges for Brookpark
The arrest occurred at a critical moment for Brookpark, which positions itself as a center of economic growth following the recent purchase by Haslam Sports Group of 176 acres of land for $76 million for a new stadium and entertainment complex. Mayor Edward Orkatt, describing the project as “transformational,” acknowledged that fighting petty crimes such as drug dealing is key to maintaining the city’s image. “We are investing in safety,” he stated at a public hearing on June 26. “Our partnership with police and Cuyahoga County aims to make Brookpark a place where families feel protected.”
Jackson Township police, serving Brookpark, reported a 17% increase in drug-related calls in 2024 compared to the previous year, partly due to proximity to transportation arteries. Captain Brink noted that patrols around hotels and commercial zones have been intensified, and license plate recognition cameras installed in 2023 assist in tracking suspicious vehicles. However, resource shortages — with only 42 officers serving a population of 14,000 — complicate efforts to combat such crimes.
Looking ahead
This incident is a reminder that even in suburbs striving for economic revival, the shadow of the drug crisis remains. For Brookpark, standing on the cusp of transformation thanks to the Browns project, the arrest highlights the need to balance investment in development with enhanced safety measures. Residents like Crosby call for more educational programs and community initiatives to prevent drug trafficking, citing the success of prevention efforts in neighboring Parma Heights that reduced petty crimes by 10% over two years.
As investigations continue, the Brookpark community hopes this arrest will be a step toward cleaning up the streets. But in a region where economic ambitions confront social challenges, winning the fight against drugs will require more than arrests — it will need investments in prevention and support for vulnerable groups. In a city dreaming of stadiums and fame, the fight for safety remains as crucial as any NFL game.
