Screws Found Embedded In Slide At Oak Lawn Playground
OAK LAWN, Ill. (CBS) -- Several sharp metal screws were found embedded into the slides at an Oak Lawn Park. Officials say it was done with the intent of hurting the children who slide down it.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports any number of children might have been seriously injured by what happened in this playground. For the families at Oak Lawn's Memorial Park, home of the huge rocket ship slides, it was all fun and games Wednesday.
But there was a close call. Somebody recently pounded 10 one-and-a-half inch drywall nails into the bottoms of two of the five slides, calculated to rip into children's flesh. They were discovered and removed before anyone was hurt. The holes are still visible.
"This is not vandalism. This is, to my way of thinking, a felony because you're intentionally trying to hurt kids," said Joel Craig of the Oak Lawn Park District.
Just three months ago a two-year-old was injured from razor blades taped to children's monkey bars in a park in East Moline, Illinois. Parents in Oak Lawn are understandably worried.
"We just have to watch out as a parent, regardless of where we go. It's part of our responsibility," said parent Mohamed Homsi.
"You come to the park, you want to have a good time and be safe, then something like this. It makes you nervous," said parent Susan Jones.
Oak Lawn Police are now increasing patrols in all city parks. The Park District is also increasing inspections in playground equipment across the city.
