A serious injury at a Portage park over the weekend set off a wave of concern across social media before police stepped in to clarify what actually happened.
Police Respond After Social Media Post Goes Viral
Around 8:04 p.m. Sunday, Portage Police officers and firefighters responded to Founders Square Park after a teenage girl fell from playground equipment.
At the scene, witnesses described the incident as an accident and reported no deliberate actions by anyone present. Because no one reported foul play, the call was handled strictly as a medical emergency.
The injured 16-year-old was transported to a hospital for treatment, and no police report was filed at the time.
The situation took a turn when a family member posted about the incident on social media, claiming the teen had been intentionally pushed from a swing by a group of boys and thrown roughly 10 feet onto concrete before the individuals fled the scene.
The post described the girl’s injuries as severe, stating she was scheduled for surgery at Memorial Children’s Hospital in South Bend with both a neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon involved.
According to the family member, the procedure would involve removing shattered vertebrae, replacing them with hardware, fusing her spine, and repairing ruptures, with months of rehabilitation expected to follow.
The post spread rapidly, prompting widespread outrage and calls for a full investigation.
Surveillance Footage Tells a Different Story
Portage Mayor Austin Bonta confirmed that police took the allegations seriously and immediately launched a review of all available evidence.
Investigators, alongside the city’s Information Technology Director, examined surveillance cameras throughout Founders Square Park as well as body camera footage from responding officers.
What the footage showed was a rotating swing-style attraction where two unidentified teenage boys were spinning riders by turning a center pole, causing the swings to reach significant speeds.
Investigators observed another female rider and the injured teen’s friend both being spun the same way before safely stepping off.
When the 16-year-old took her turn, the boys spun the ride again without making physical contact with her. As she reached a nearly horizontal position, she was thrown from the swing and hit the ground hard.
Critically, the footage showed the boys and other people at the park immediately rushing to help her. Her father was contacted, and 911 was called.
Portage Police Chief Michael Candiano addressed the findings directly.
“At this point, all available information indicates this was an accident with no malicious intent and no criminal activity,” he said.
Candiano also noted that details surrounding the incident may have become distorted in the aftermath of a traumatic event and stressed the importance of correcting misinformation that had circulated online.
Community members weighed in on the matter online.
Amy Matlock wrote,
“Portage Police Department has a newer release out now. It does appear to be accidental.”
LeRoy Bowman added,
“Does anyone completely read articles anymore? Or do they just look at highlights and bash everyone? There was an update. It is listed now as an accident. Kids were spinning the merry go round very fast and she fell off. The kids helped her when she fell, called for her parents, and 911.”
The teen’s recovery remains the focus as authorities urge the public to stop spreading false information and keep her and her family in their thoughts.
