Home

Stories

Partners arrow

About arrow

Macedonia police rescue infant from stolen vehicle on I-271: What we know

Officials say that the driver, identified as Teair Williams, was taken into custody without incident.

by Anna Meyer

Feb 14, 2025

MACEDONIA, — A three-month-old baby is safe after Macedonia police stopped a stolen vehicle Friday afternoon, leading to the arrest of a suspect.

According to the Macedonia Police Department, dispatchers received a “Be on the Lookout” alert from the Ohio State Highway Patrol at 4:31 p.m. on Jan. 24. The alert reported that a vehicle with an infant inside had been stolen in Stark County and was last seen heading north on I-77, possibly returning to Cleveland.

Macedonia police said Dispatchers Alita Fratantonio and Jessica Becker quickly relayed the information to Patrol Officer Nick Szaibel, who spotted the vehicle traveling north on I-271. Officer Szaibel followed the car until Sergeant Mike Plesz arrived, and together, they conducted a coordinated stop.

Officials say that the driver, identified as Teair Williams, was taken into custody without incident and the infant was found safe inside the vehicle.

During an arraignment hearing on Monday, Jan. 27, Williams, who was charged with endangering children and domestic violence, was given a $10,000 bond, which was posted. 

The Stark County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene with the baby’s mother, who was reunited with the child.