Merrifield Pool to tighten security after juveniles get into fight, fire airsoft guns
MISHAWAKA — There will be increased security measures at Merrifield Pool, city officials announced, due to a group of up to 30 juveniles getting into a series of large fights at the pool Tuesday evening.
According to police, the teenagers were "shooting airsoft guns at pool staff and others" and got into a series of fights both inside and around the pool complex. Airsoft guns are replica guns that typically shoot small plastic pellets.
One boy was hurt when the fights broke out around 7:30 p.m. and received attention from medics for cuts on his hand and arm that police said he sustained when he punched his hand through a window to an entry door.
As a result of the incident, the pool will be closed while the Parks Department and Police Department set up added security features. The new measures include:
A season pass and valid ID will be required for entry
Bags will not be allowed outside of the locker rooms
Any child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Extra security cameras will be installed and security officers will be on duty
The restrictions come amid a severe heat wave and after the Potawatomi Pool in South Bend announced it is closed indefinitely for repairs.
More: Decades-old Potawatomi Park pool in South Bend closes. Here are other aquatic options
Police said they banned two of the juveniles involved in Tuesday's incident from all Mishawaka park properties. No arrests were made, though police say the investigation into the fighting is active.
The Merrifield Pool closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vandals also slashed a hole in the pool's liner in 2017, which sent parks officials scrambling to make repairs a month before the pool opened for the season.
Email Marek Mazurek at mmazurek@sbtinfo.com. Follow him on Twitter: @marek_mazurek
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Merrifield Pool tighten security after juveniles get into fight
