A 19-year-old valet driver is facing charges after Newburgh Heights, Ohio police say he was clocked driving a patient’s Mercedes-Benz at 128 mph in a 60 mph zone, more than double the posted speed limit, during an unauthorized trip away from his job.
How the Stop Unfolded
Police identified the driver as Lamar Williams, who was pulled over around 1:30 a.m. Friday. Body-camera footage released by the department captured the traffic stop, during which Williams told officers he worked as a valet at the Cleveland Clinic and had taken the Mercedes to get food during his shift. When asked why he was driving so fast, Williams responded that he had been trying to get back to work quickly. He initially told officers he thought he had been going 80 or 90 mph before being informed of the actual speed recorded.
@news5cleveland A Cleveland Clinic valet worker took a Mercedes-Benz for a joyride to get food.
What Williams Told Police
According to the police report, Williams said he used the Mercedes for the food run because he had access to the keys and didn’t want to use his own vehicle. On the body-camera footage, he described his mindset at the time as viewing it as using a nicer car rather than taking it for a joyride. Williams appeared emotional as officers explained the seriousness of the situation.
Charges and Response
Williams was charged with speeding, reckless operation, and receiving stolen property. The Cleveland Clinic clarified that Williams was not a hospital employee but worked for a third-party valet vendor contracted to provide the service. In a statement, the Clinic said it takes the safety and security of patients and their property seriously and is working with law enforcement and the vendor to support the investigation. Williams was scheduled to appear in court the following week. As with any pending criminal case, the charges are accusations, and Williams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.