Man Charged After Reported Gun Threat Triggers Evacuation at Westerville Meijer

Update with information from police report release

A Westerville man is facing a felony charge after police say his actions caused panic and forced the evacuation of a Meijer store on Sunday afternoon.

According to a police report from the Westerville Division of Police, officers were dispatched to the Meijer at 100 Polaris Parkway around 1:54 p.m. on Jan. 18 following reports of a disturbance involving a man arguing with store employees. While officers were en route, dispatch received additional calls reporting that the man had a gun and that a shot may have been fired.

Police say the incident began after a woman attempted to return an item that Meijer loss prevention employees determined could not be returned due to suspected fraud. A male associate of the woman allegedly confronted loss prevention staff, made verbal threats, and continued yelling inside the store, frightening customers.

Witnesses told police the man left the store, went to a silver Chevrolet Traverse with temporary Ohio license plates, and retrieved what several described as a large black handgun from the back seat. According to the report, the man then walked back toward the store entrance while shouting threats. A shopper yelled, “He’s got a gun,” prompting customers to retreat deeper into the store and employees to initiate an evacuation.

The man left the scene shortly afterward in the vehicle, traveling north on North State Street.

Multiple officers responded and conducted a full sweep of the store, clearing aisles, stockrooms, and employee areas. Customers and employees were evacuated, including some who had barricaded themselves in back rooms. Police later determined there was no active threat inside the building.

While initial dispatch reports indicated that a shot may have been fired, several officers and witnesses told police they did not hear or see a gunshot, and no physical evidence of a discharged firearm was found.

Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Shanen David McKinley of Groveport through vehicle records, public records, and store surveillance footage, according to the report. McKinley later spoke with an officer by phone and denied having a gun or threatening anyone with a firearm. He also denied returning to the vehicle a second time.

Meijer management told police the store was closed to customers for approximately 30 minutes due to the incident and estimated the resulting financial loss exceeded $1,000.

McKinley has been charged with felony inducing panic, a fifth-degree felony, in Delaware County Common Pleas Court. Court records state the charge is based on allegations that his actions caused the evacuation of a public place and resulted in economic harm.

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