Westlake police officers conducted a wellness check on a 91-year-old resident last Thursday, only to discover the woman was too preoccupied with a video game to notice their arrival. The incident, which began as a safety concern, ended in a lighthearted encounter for local law enforcement.
The woman is a participant in Westlake's "Are You Okay?" program. This city-run initiative provides daily phone check-ins to elderly residents to monitor their well-being.
The situation escalated after the woman failed to answer her scheduled daily call. When the program's dispatchers could not reach her, they attempted to follow up on her status.
The woman's daughter also attempted to contact her mother via telephone. After multiple failed attempts to establish communication, the family's concern grew.
Westlake police officers were dispatched to the woman's home to investigate. Upon arrival, officers knocked on the door, but the resident did not respond to the knocking or the ringing of the doorbell.
Using a pre-established door code, officers entered the residence to ensure the resident was unharmed. They found the woman in her bedroom, entirely focused on a gaming session.
A successful record attempt
The woman was reportedly in the middle of a session where she was attempting to beat a personal high score. The intensity of the gameplay prevented her from hearing the officers' arrival or the subsequent phone calls.
Westlake Police Captain Jerry Vogel noted the humorous outcome of the welfare check. "Everyone got a good laugh out of it," Vogel told News 5 Cleveland.
The 91-year-old woman expressed gratitude to the officers for checking on her safety. No medical emergency or injury was found during the investigation.
The specific game being played was not identified in the police report. While some might assume the activity was casual, the woman's focus suggested a high level of engagement with the software.
The "Are You Okay?" program continues to serve as a primary safety net for the Westlake elderly community, using these daily interactions to prevent unaddressed emergencies.
