BREAKING NEWS
Drug arrest made at Westlake High School
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
WEB POSTED 5:10 PM, FEB. 29, 2008
WEB UPDATED 6:15 PM, FEB. 29, 2008

WESTLAKE - A 15-year old female student at Westlake High School was arrested Thursday morning after she allegedly offered to sell illegal drugs to fellow students. All of them refused the offer, and one reported the incident to a teacher.

The suspect was questioned by Westlake Police’s school resource officer and found to be in possession of approximately one gram of a controlled substance, according to a police department press release. The other students that were reportedly approached were interviewed by law enforcement and confirmed that the suspect offered to sell it, police said.

On Jan. 30, Westlake Police arrested an 18-year-old female student at the high school. Police said she admitted using heroin that day and had quantities of the drug in her possession.

Based on other information, Westlake Police began investigating two 17-year-old students, Freeman said.

According to Westlake Police, search warrants were obtained for the residences of the two students Feb. 6. While the searches were taking place, police arrested the two at the high school in connection with drug activity.

Following the meeting, high school Principal Tim Freeman sent home a letter stating that another substance abuse incident came to light.

“Since that community forum, district administrators received tips about potential alcohol and substance abuse matters,” Freeman’s letter stated. “We were able to substantiate several of the tips and immediately enforced our code of conduct.”

Superintendent Dan Keenan said Freeman was referring to a group of students reportedly showing up at a school dance Feb. 16 intoxicated.

“We’re doing everything we can to work with (police),” Keenan said.

MORE PROGRAMS: At 7 p.m. March 10, the school district and Westlake Parent Connection will present a talk by Elaine and James Psarras, who will discuss the death of their son Andy from a heroin addiction.

At 7 p.m. April 1, Dr. Madeline Levine, a practicing child psychologist, will discuss her book, “The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids.”

Levine, who counsels troubled teens from affluent families, has observed that wealth — which is thought to be a great advantage in the formative years — is often producing depressed, anxious, angry and bored teenagers.

Both programs take place in the Westlake Schools Performing Arts Center, adjacent to the high school at 27830 Hilliard Blvd.

Previous West Life articles:

• Officials: Arrests don’t indicate heroin ring
• Parent tips helped break heroin case