WILMINGTON, OH — A potentially dangerous situation was swiftly contained Tuesday afternoon after police responded to reports of a former employee returning to the Ahresty Corporation facility in Wilmington under alarming circumstances.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on April 15, 2025, officers from the Wilmington Police Department were dispatched to the Ahresty plant, located at 2627 S. South Street, following reports that a recently terminated worker had returned and made disturbing statements.
According to witnesses, the man was seen in the company’s parking lot donning body armor labeled with the phrase “Proud Boy” and a ski mask. While no weapon was visible at the time, responding officers later recovered a handgun during the suspect’s arrest.
Police quickly secured the area and took the individual into custody without incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The suspect has been identified as John Workman, 41, of Midland, Ohio. He has been charged with Inducing Panic, and authorities say additional charges may be filed pending the results of the ongoing investigation.
“Our top priority is ensuring public safety, and our officers acted swiftly and professionally in responding to a potentially volatile situation,” said Wilmington Police Sergeant Morgan Wages. “We are grateful for the vigilance of Ahresty employees and the quick coordination that helped prevent this from escalating.”
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Wilmington Police Department at 937-382-3833 or submit a tip through the department’s website.
