Westlake Police Chase Results in Two Arrests and Recovery of Missing Teen
A police pursuit last week concluded with the arrest of two individuals and the safe return of a missing girl. The incident began around 8:15 p.m. on October 15, when North Olmsted Police alerted nearby agencies about 35-year-old Jeffrey A. Desler, who had fled from officers attempting to serve him a probate order.
In the early hours of October 16, Westlake police were notified after a license plate reader detected Desler’s vehicle. “Around 2 a.m., we received alerts indicating he was driving on Crocker Road,” said Westlake Police Captain Gerald Vogel.
According to Vogel, Desler fled once again when police attempted to stop him. “Officers pursued him through Crocker Park and down Crocker Road, activating lights and sirens,” he explained. The pursuit continued until police lost sight of the vehicle, which was later found abandoned in the middle of the road, doors left open.
Inside the vehicle, officers discovered a long gun, identified as an AR-15-type rifle, and another handgun—both believed to be stolen from Desler’s father’s home.
Not far from the abandoned truck, police located a 35-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl. They reported that Desler had given them a ride from Downtown Cleveland but refused to let them out in Westlake, claiming he held them at gunpoint during the drive.
Authorities later confirmed that the girl was listed as a missing person. “One of the passengers was a 16-year-old female who had been reported as endangered-missing. The man with her had a probation violation warrant for his arrest,” said Vogel.
Multiple agencies conducted a search for Desler, using both foot patrols and drone technology. He was eventually found hiding nearby with a pistol in his waistband.
Vogel expressed gratitude for the technology and collaboration that led to a successful outcome. “Using technology along with traditional police work really does wonders, and I think we do it well,” he remarked.
The 16-year-old girl, who had been missing from University Heights, was safely returned to her parents. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old man was taken into custody due to outstanding warrants from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority related to prior convictions involving sex offenses with a minor.
Desler now faces several charges, including kidnapping, child endangerment, and fleeing from police.
