East Cleveland Councilman Nathaniel Martin is hoping both state and county investigators will help his police department deal with what he calls chronic crime at city gas stations.
Martin praised East Cleveland police for its efforts in dealing with shootings, fights, smash and grabs, carjackings and now drug dealing.
But Martin believes more help is needed.
"These types of activities take place during the day, not just at midnight," said Martin.
"People come to East Cleveland and do all kinds of crazy stuff. They think they can get away with it because they feel we don't have the resources, they feel we don't have enough police."
"We need help from the county, we need it from the state, we need it from the liquor people who approve the places for being open."
East Cleveland Police just wrapped up a successful three-month investigation at the Marathon Euclid and Noble Mini-Mart.
Police arrested Galal Kassem Dubaishi and three clerks at the gas station for allegedly selling marijuana, crack cocaine and heroin over the counter.
East Cleveland Police Commander Scott Gardner told News 5 Dubaishi has been hit with felony drug and weapons charges.
"They were selling it right out for the gas station," said Gardner.
"A person would just come up, ask for some weed, and whoever was working there at the time would go ahead and service that person."
Gardner told News 5 safety and consistent patrols at city gas stations is a top priority for his department.
"It leads to issues for both the gas station and us," said Gardner.
"We get a lot of fight calls, things of that nature that happen, disorderly conduct calls."
Martin said he may recommend that problem gas stations face a restriction in late night hours, or even be recommend for loss of its liquor license.
"It's tough, but we have to do something," said Martin.
