Special to 1808Delaware
The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) is investigating commercial building property damage caused by gunshots. Investigators say bullets and shell casings have been recovered outside of several buildings on the northwest side of the City in office parks in the Polaris Parkway/Worthington Road area and along Cleveland Ave since late last summer.
Windows and exterior structures appear to be targets in the six incidents in Westerville (see below). In one incident, a delivery person was standing next to a window when it was shot. Investigators are looking for a dark sedan that suspiciously circles or slows around these commercial areas. The timeframe for these shootings is estimated to be 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. Similar crimes have been committed in surrounding communities.
8/20/2020 – 470 Olde Worthington Road
9/15/2020 – 390 Worthington Road
12/2/2020- 390 Worthington Road
1/14/2021 – 476 Olde Worthington Road
2/2/2021 – 715 Polaris Parkway
2/2/2021 – 444 N. Cleveland Avenue
Only commercial buildings have been affected at this point, but investigators are asking people who live nearby to help keep watch.
“We’re looking beyond just the property damage issue because this clearly could become tragic if someone is in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Lt. Alloway. “We don’t have reason to believe people or private property are being targeted, but our message to employees and property managers is to be aware of surroundings and call us if there’s anything out-of-place or suspicious.”
Anyone may contact the WPD Tipline anonymously at (614) 901-6866 or email tipline@westerville.org.
If you see something suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information on the Westerville Division of Police, please visit www.westerville.org/police.
