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Is State Road a Problem Area in Cuyahoga Falls?

Cuyahoga Falls Patch readers say yes! Find out what people have been talking about after several police reports from the State Road area in the last two weeks.

Over the last couple weeks, the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department has reported several crimes ranging from armed robbery to attempted kidnapping and rape at businesses on State Road. 

As Patch reported the stories and shared them on its Facebook page, readers weighed in and they are worried. 

1. PIZZA HUT NEARLY ROBBED

The first recent incident on State Road was when the Pizza Hut was nearly robbed by two men with a gun. The incident is concerning for obvious reasons, but readers were mostly worried about, angry and intrigued about the fact that the manager reportedly locked himself inside and left the two employees outside with the gunmen

"That manager sure was a hero...*eye roll*," said Doug Burley on the Facebook page

2. ARMED ROBBERY AT HUNGRY HOWIE'S

The next incident on State Road was when the . Police released the K-9, but the trail went cold near Phelps Avenue and 23rd Street. 

With this being the second armed robbery on State road within a short span of time, readers grew more concerned. 

"State Road has been awful for a long time," said Donnie Throwback on the Cuyahoga Falls Patch Facebook page

3. ATTEMPTED RAPE AFTER LEAVING RED FOX

On Dec. 3, a woman told police that after she left the Red Fox Sports Pub & Grille on State Road, someone tried to kidnap and rape her. 

According to police, an unidentified man pulled the 30-year-old Akron woman into his car, parked off Falls Avenue and 20th Street, and tried to sexually assault her. Fortunately, she managed to escape and notify the authorities.

The suspected rapist fled with her cash and purse in hand before officers arrived.

"Great. Right at the corner of my street. Not feeling very safe. This stretch of road has been in the news 3 times in a little over a week~Hungry Howies & Pizza Hut," said Jessi Good Webb on the Patch Facebook page

Some readers were so unsettled by the activity on State Road that many started talking about the necessity to carry a gun. 

"If that lady would have had a gun, that guy would have left her alone!," said Kaylena McIntosh on the Facebook page

4. POLICE FIND METH LAB ON STATE ROAD

The most recent incident reported on State Road is that the Cuyahoga Falls Police Narcotics Unit raided an apartment at the 2500 block and found tools to make methamphetamine. 

Joshua T. Rix, 29, of Akron was charged with illegal assembly of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, a second-degree felony.

With these recent events on State Road — Patch wants to know: Are you concerned for your safety on this street? 

"I own a business on State Rd, I'm very nervous about this and concerned for my employees safety. State Rd under siege?" said Christopher Reboul on the Facebook page Dec. 5

Leave your comments in this story! 

D December 12, 2012 at 02:08 pm
The crime on state rd is no diffrent then any of the other crime in the city of Cuyahoga Falls. Is it safe any where I know I don't feel safe in this city
Sumco Res December 12, 2012 at 02:44 pm
Let me think - Prange Drive - subsidized housing. More crime. Extra police patrols every night. State Road - subsidized housing. More crime. Extra police patrols in the West Alley. Maybe the problem is subsidized housing?
o December 12, 2012 at 02:44 pm
I thought this article was about the horrible driving conditions on State Rd./Portage Trail because of the USELESS construction. I drove through there the other night and was confused - no lane lines and cones all over the place. To me, this is the problem area!!
Jamie December 12, 2012 at 03:02 pm
I think it's a problem area. I remember when the falls was so safe you didn't really hear about crime to much. Now every week there's something new that's happened. So sad. I moved back to the falls cause I loved it here. Sometimes I really think about moving before it becomes more like Akron around here.
Luvmyqts December 12, 2012 at 03:20 pm
arsons, meth labs, robbery...all down the street from me! My family and I have been here 9 1/2 years and this city is not what it used to be. We used to take the kids to the River Front every weekend for some fun family time and we would have a blast! Everyone was civil, didn't have to worry about drunks bumping into us or getting nasty. Kids, as young as 10 wandering around with pants around their ankles using foul language or running around being stupid....without an adult! We haven't gone since one year a drunk decided he was going to try to push my stroller with my son in it. We obviously refused and it was a very scary situation for us. We are done with it all...time to move!
Earl Elevant December 12, 2012 at 03:27 pm
That's just silly. Subsidized housing couldn't possibly be the problem. Isn't taking them out of the ghetto and putting them into nice, suburban neighborhoods supposed to make them better people?
No? It's really like releasing a lion into a gazelle pen and expecting the lion to act more like a gazelle. I think you hit the nail on the head.
Ed Fisher December 12, 2012 at 03:36 pm
I live in Stow now, but the Falls will always be "my home town". It's sad to think of the decline we all see around us. The world we live in is not like the old days, and the uglier side seems to be finding its way into our town. The meanness, cruelty, and thoughtlessness is more noticeable now than ever, and any sense of community is fading away day by day. The ugliness in the world is cycling into the Falls, taking away the soul of earlier days.
frisby December 12, 2012 at 04:17 pm
The State Rd Apts have been an ongoing issue for a long time. There have been meetings with the Mayor,Police Chief and the owners of the buildings. Apparently they are now once again dropping the ball on screening the people they rent to and the police are not patrolling the west alley like they are supposed to be doing.
Earl Elevant December 12, 2012 at 06:51 pm
The west alley shouldn't get its own cop 24/7. Sure, it would be nice, but wouldn't it be nice to have a cop on every street all the time, too?
Start by demanding more cops--not in the west alley, but in the entire city. There's nowhere close to the number of cops this city needs and the mayor is sending an ordinance to city council (again) to reduce police staffing even further. It's the same thing that failed 11-0 back in October or November, but they're trying it again. And people wonder why the Falls is becoming Kenmore...
Kim D. December 12, 2012 at 08:15 pm
I lived in CF my entire life, and I've never seen it so bad as it is today. And I can tell you when it started...when the city (mayor) allowed the subsidized housing to come in with open arms. I don't care if you agree or not, it's a FACT. The majority of the people who live in these areas don't care and are not invested in their homes like homeowners are. You don't have to be rich to be decent, clean, upstanding citizens.
Ed Fisher December 12, 2012 at 08:38 pm
OK. I sure won't disagree with that. So the solution is.....make the subsidized housing go away. How ? Haven't a clue. But if there is a way to that end, then the finder of that solution is a shoe-in for the next mayor. There must be an answer to this, but I don't know what it is.
Dave December 12, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Just wait until Portage Crossings is open. The stores will have a serious theft problem, and people will be robbed coming out of the movie theater. I have spent over 20 years of my life in Cuyahoga Falls, and the city has been on a horrific decline.
Scott Gatrell December 13, 2012 at 01:16 am
All that has to be done is to look at the solution Shakers Heights came up with. Use barriers to block access from Akron. The worse things get in Akron, the less access should be permitted to the falls from the Akron border on surface streets. Concrete barriers are cheaper than cops, and if we cut off the get-away routes then perhaps the criminals will stay closer to home. Let them victimized eachother instead of the residents of Cuyahoga Falls.
John Pinkerton December 13, 2012 at 02:34 am
I remember North Hill being a nice area back in the 80's. I hope we're not having the same discussion they did, but I fear we are. What are we the property owners left to do to stop the renters from ruining our neighborhoods?
There should be new fines put into place for not keeping your property up. To the landlords and the renters. There is a certain way we want our areas to be and look. If you don't care for it go rent in the towns that don't mind being run into the ground.
tycoc.jm December 13, 2012 at 10:21 am
ok, well 1st off the city looks like a pit. State rd is nothing but fast food and abandoned buildings. Graham rd is turning out the same way. When giant eagle moves, there is another one. Shoot, tops has been empty for 20 years and same with that car dealership on state. Its sure looks like a dumpy part of cleveland to me. I think the 1st solution is to elect a new mayor, that guy has been in there since the beginning of time and i dont see any improvements. I got an idea, lets build new stores and leave all the empty ones there. empty buildings bring drug addicts, homeless people and prostitutes, now they have somwhere to live.
Jack Kelly December 13, 2012 at 11:53 am
Apparently "frisby" doesn't know what he's talking about.
if you want more police, then you MUST BE WILLING TO PAY FOR IT!
Jack Kelly December 13, 2012 at 11:57 am
*sigh* A mayor cannot -- outright -- restrict subsidized housing. While I have an issue with people thinking they have a "right" to live anywhere, let's be real about Cuyahoga Falls. The Falls has NEVER been some "uppity" place, so stop with this thinking that subsidized housing shouldn't be in the Falls.
And there's NO proof that subsidized housing is the main reason for all of these problems. So, you people sound like fools by constantly blaming them. I hate to tell you, but there are plenty of "normal-looking" renters who are more of a problem than those in subsidized housing. And if you claim it's a "Fact" -- then back it up. With substantiated and relevant data. So, until you do, your "fact" is actually your OPINION.
Jack Kelly December 13, 2012 at 11:58 am
Sumco res said "let me think."
Clearly, after reading your comments, you have no concept of said activity.
Geoffrey Watson December 13, 2012 at 02:17 pm
It's what they say....Trash breeds trash. The more trash there is, the more trash you get. If there is a small pile of trash in a corner, it will keep growing if it's not cleaned up and it turns into a huge pile. That's what State Rd is right now. It is trashy and breeding more trash. If there is a blited area breeding trash and someone makes the effort to clean up the area, maybe do some painting and plant some flowers the next thing you know the trashy area is gone and the neighbors are fixing up their areas too. If State Rd ever gets something constructed it will go a long way toward cleaning up the trash.
Ed Fisher December 13, 2012 at 02:39 pm
Don't read too much into things, Jack. I know that the mayor can't put and end to subsidized housing, but the candidate that runs on a platform to try to eliminate or at least minimize it would be the next mayor. How is it done ? Home ownership combined with residency requirements are one approach. Done all the time in condo and housing developments. Even done in our sole trailer park in Stow. You don't live in it ? Then you can't own it. Cities (all, not just the Falls) are better communities when home ownership is high and rental is discouraged. Just my thoughts. Always look forward to your thoughts on this approach.
frisby December 13, 2012 at 04:14 pm
The Taxpayers of CF do pay for the Police protection and should demand that problem areas be patrolled on a regular basis. The State Rd. Apts are a problem area, just as Prange,Studio City and several other hot spots. State Rd has apparently become a just another trashy area as Mr Watson has pointed out and I agree. Having lived here many years I have seen this area decline and our city leaders need to step up and do something about this problem. And yes, that means more police.
Earl Elevant December 13, 2012 at 05:32 pm
Have you taken the idea of "more police" to the mayor, chief, or city council?
Complaining on a message board won't get them.
Kim D. December 14, 2012 at 04:32 am
Well, JACK, you obviously don't know "jack"...because I live here...everyday...for 43 years...and I don't owe you or anyone else a "fact finder" report. I SEE it...this city has changed in the years I've been here, and I know this to be FACT because I witness it everyday! And I REMEMBER the time when the city was contemplating the Prange Drive's, the State Road Apartment's, the Studio City's....and I remember the newspaper articles with quotes from our Mayor and city council saying how they wanted to show everyone how different our city could be...they showed us! It's different alright! I used to feel safe here. Unfortunately, not so much anymore. And don't start that prejudice crap either...I don't care if you're green! You can be a decent human being and take pride in your home and your city and take good care of it. Wherever you live! House, apartment, condo...it doesn't matter. Or don't. But then the trash can move in where others like them don't care, because the majority of us do...and they're not welcome here.
Dave L December 14, 2012 at 01:15 pm
Here's what happened the last time that the citizens of Cuyahoga Falls and the Mayor tried to keep your version of "trash" out of the city:
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=000&invol=01-1269 Remember Pleasant Meadows?
Earl Elevant December 14, 2012 at 06:35 pm
Dave is right.
They tried to keep the trash out, but the courts disagreed--and in came the trash.
Jan Durfee December 31, 2012 at 04:48 pm
Some of us are disabled but choose to work anyway. Finding a place to live making minimum wage is nearly impossible. I'm very blessed to have my apartment on State Rd, beats living under a bridge. I see crime all over the Falls and everywhere else. Don't put the blame on subsidized housing.
Jan Durfee December 31, 2012 at 04:54 pm
As I said before, some of us are disabled but choose to work anyway. Finding a place to live making minimum wage is nearly impossible. I'm very blessed to have my apartment on State Rd, beats living under a bridge. I see crime all over the Falls and everywhere else. Don't put the blame on subsidized housing.
Jan Durfee December 31, 2012 at 04:56 pm
Thank you Jack Kelly for being sensitive and caring.
Jan Durfee December 31, 2012 at 05:03 pm
It's so sad for a disabled woman in her 50's to be labeled as "trash". I make an honest living. There may be a fair share of "trash" in subsidized housing but the "trash" that is coming out of some of your mouths makes me glad you are not my neighbors. Don't judge us all, you don't know me...

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Nolan Thrice June 18, 2013 at 10:55 am
You didn't know what? Oh, how to read a calendar. But, your stupidity/illiteracy is the media'sRead More fault. Okay m0ron.
Adam C. Miller June 14, 2013 at 09:40 pm
disappointing
dean alexander June 15, 2013 at 08:21 am
why not take responsibility and find out for yourself and be aware of it
Nolan Thrice June 18, 2013 at 10:56 am
Uh...it's on EVERY calendar. Just when I didn't think the likes of you can be any more stupid....
Paula Adkins June 6, 2013 at 08:35 pm
What's going on in the Paridise club in cuyahoga Falls is unbelievable, and for sure needs reported.Read More I was approached in October /november by the manager at that time. He came on to me in a very sick manner,said some very perverted commits and when I spoke up telling him I'm new to sobriety and not interested , he just chuckled with this disturbing smile. Then went on to offer me a job there at the Club, said I could through him get hired, then next came a sick smile. I left and didn't go back there for awhile . Would sometimes attend the AA meetings in the basement of Paridise Club , but stayed away from upstairs. But always very uncomfortable that I'd run into him. I had heard that He was no longer president because he admitted to being a sexual predator which involved several child of the AA members and others ,ect. So I stopped in for coffee and fellowship a month or so ago, and didn't see him until after I sat down. He was playing pool, but saw me. My stomach dropped , upon trying to leave , he approached me asking how sobriety was going. Then offered me a job to clean his apartment. Very ere! If I see him again there I will call the police. My friends daughter worked there I found out later. It's just plane sick that he is allowed there.
Richard Darmstadt June 10, 2013 at 05:02 pm
I would like to know where the person who wrote this blog got their information. AA is not aRead More religious cult or a cult of any sort. Members of AA have been helping other alcoholics since 1935. Medical science has proved that alcoholism is a disease with NO cure. AA is there to offer a helping hand.
Laura Tompkins June 11, 2013 at 06:39 pm
Thank you Gail! This is just one of many, many stories. Convicted felons are routinely recruited toRead More 12 step cults. They have to go there, healthy people do not stay in this dangerous cult for long! ; ) http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult_a0.html
wmfr June 5, 2013 at 10:04 pm
What's your point, DICK? You are posting a sarcastic question and clearly don't understand projectsRead More like PC and how cities work with builders. C'mon DICK, write a legitimate question and quit belly aching DICK.
Sumco Res June 5, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Christine - you somehow missed the detail that the property has been sold to Stark? The ball is inRead More his court now.
Nolan Thrice June 6, 2013 at 11:33 am
Any reason you couldn't pick up the phone and make a phone call and ask for yourself? Oh, that'sRead More too much hard work. Got it.
Sweet Guy #1
mmlodzik June 1, 2013 at 01:43 pm
We were very fortunate to have the Humane Society take them. They should be available for adoptionRead More soon. I am just deeply saddened that people can do something like this with no concern for the dogs' welfare and to thrust that responsibility onto others who can't stand by and do nothing.
Janet Wahl June 3, 2013 at 07:33 am
Those kind of people would leave their human kids as well.
Christine June 3, 2013 at 11:27 am
I agree, this is inconsiderate and unkind. I would wish that people would not treat their animalsRead More so, but that remains a wish. However, I am thankful that something worse did not happen. At least at the park, someone was there who was kindhearted enough to take action. I shudder to think of the "other" possibilities.
John Deike (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 06:35 pm
Thanks!
Kaye Spector (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 10:53 pm
Congrats John and Jacklyn. She's adorable.
Geoffrey Watson June 1, 2013 at 10:19 pm
Congrats John. I know what you are feeling. I know when my daughter was born way back in 1975 @Read More Cuyahoga Falls General. I wanted to go out to the intersection of Broad and State Rd and shout at the top of my lungs, "I have a baby daughter" That was the greatest enjoyment and biggest trill ever!! I was a big part of the delivery. I was in the room the whole time and would not have it ant other way. Way to go John and Jaklyn!!