Delayed Response to Gun Report at Westerville Community Center

A delay of over two hours between initial reports of a person with a gun and the notification of police has resulted in an investigation of procedures at the Westerville Community Center and charges against one individual.

When asked about procedures and training for the center that might have caused the delay, City Manager Monica Dupee responded in an email that “any procedural missteps will be addressed once the investigation is complete.”

On Friday, February 21, at approximately 3:26 p.m., Ahmed Muhamed and two others checked into the facility, providing what appeared to be false local addresses to obtain discounted resident entry rates.

The police report says that Muhamed interrupted a basketball game, causing a dispute between him and players in a five-on-five game. When asked to step aside so they could continue their game, Muhamed pulled what witnesses said was a handgun, telling the players, "I'm not moving; you are going to have to make me move. You can meet me outside; I'll be waiting."

Players quickly left the court, with one player immediately going to the front desk to report the presence of a gun, but staff admonished him, warning that making a false report was a criminal offense.

Community Center staff did not contact Westerville Police until 6:37 p.m. after a supervisor reviewed the basketball court video. Police identified Muhamed as the person who brandished a gun after reviewing the video waiver forms, surveillance images, BMV records, and public databases linked to phone numbers provided during check-in.

On February 25, Muhamed voluntarily appeared at the Westerville Police Department, accompanied by his attorney and mother. During an interview recorded by police body cameras, Muhamed admitted to carrying a BB gun, stating he displayed it because he felt threatened during the basketball game.

Muhamed was issued a summons for Aggravating Menacing, requiring him to appear in Delaware County Municipal Court. He was also officially banned from the Westerville Community Center. Aggravated Menacing is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable with fines, 180 days in jail, and community service.

The delayed police notification raises community concerns about local recreational facilities' response protocols and public safety. Authorities have not disclosed further information regarding possible charges or the involvement of the other two individuals present during the incident.

At a recent city council budget work session, there was a brief discussion about the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department forming a police force to monitor parks, its facilities, and events. City Manager Dupee says there has not been any further discussion about a parks police force.

The parks department has an interim director, JR Fourqurean, who replaces Randy Auler. Dupee said in an email that Auler left the position under amicable conditions. Fourqurean, who led the city’s DEIB department, began the job on March 10.

State of the City - 2025

City Manager Monica Dupee delivered the 2025 State of the City Thursday night, cheerleading the city's readiness for future growth, economic development, and community enhancements.

Despite modest job growth projections of 0.4% for 2025, Dupee emphasized local demand for skilled workers in healthcare, construction, software, education, and public services. She noted major nearby economic projects, including Intel and Anduril Industries, bringing significant employment opportunities to the region.

Westerville continues strategic expansion through Westar, a successful business district hosting Vertiv, DHL, Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians, Lancaster Colony/T. Marzetti, and the upcoming Smashpark entertainment venue. Further growth is planned through the 88-acre development called "East of Africa," supported by a $30 million infrastructure investment. The city consistently maintains a triple-A bond rating, reflecting strong financial management.

She said innovative city services will soon feature centralized customer service, including unified communications channels and live-chat capabilities. City Hall, undergoing its first significant renovation since 1987, is being modernized to enhance efficiency without new taxes.

Updates are also coming to Westerville’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces (PROS) plan, with community engagement opportunities. Residents can participate in an upcoming biennial community survey to influence city service improvements.

Dupee noted national trends of diminishing local news coverage. She assured residents that the city will continue providing accurate information through transparent governance and inclusivity, ensuring equitable community development and readiness for future challenges.

The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication led by a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, its influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.

Support local journalism and stay informed—become a paid subscriber for access to exclusive news, in-depth features, photography, commentary, and obituary notices.

Paid subscribers gain access to Special Editions and the entire news archive. While more than 2,000 readers follow for free, only paid subscribers can access posts beyond two weeks.

Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, and This Week in Toledo. WVLNEWS also suggests Into the Morning by Krista Steele.