Clinic valet driver charged after being caught speeding 128 mph in patient’s Mercedes: police

NEWBURGH HEIGHTS, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - A valet driver is facing charges after authorities say he was caught speeding in a person’s vehicle.

Newburgh Heights police said Lamar Williams, 19, was stopped around 1:30 a.m. Friday for driving 128 mph in a Mercedes-Benz while traveling in a 60 mph zone.

Body camera footage appeared to show Williams telling officers he worked as a valet driver at the Cleveland Clinic and took the car to get food during his shift.

“Why were you going that fast, man?” an officer asked.

“Sorry, man, I was just trying to get back to work, man,” Williams can be heard replying.

When asked how fast he was going, Williams said he initially thought 80 or 90 mph.

However, the officer informed him he was caught driving nearly 130 mph.

According to officers, Williams said he didn’t want to use his own car for the food run, so he took the keys he had access to at work.

“At first I didn’t take it as a joyride, just as using a car better than my own,” Williams can be heard telling officers.

Williams appeared visibly upset when he realized the severity of his situation.

“Man, I’m sorry, man,” he is heard saying in the video.

Williams was charged with speeding, reckless operation and receiving stolen property, Newburgh Heights police said.

The 19-year-old was not an employee of the Cleveland Clinic, the company said.

“We take the safety and security of our patients and their property very seriously. We are working closely with law enforcement and the vendor involved to support the investigation and ensure appropriate actions are taken,” a Cleveland Clinic spokesperson said.

Williams is scheduled to appear in court next week.