PORTAGE — Portage Police are reviewing surveillance footage and body camera video after a social media post from a family member of an injured juvenile alleged the child was intentionally harmed by other teenagers at Founders Square Park over the weekend.
The social media post, which began circulating Monday, claims the juvenile suffered severe injuries after being pushed from a swing by a group of boys and thrown approximately 10 feet onto concrete before the individuals fled the area.
According to the family member, the child’s injuries are extensive and require specialized medical treatment. The post states the juvenile is scheduled to undergo surgery at Memorial Children’s Hospital in South Bend involving both a neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon.
“The surgery will be for removing shattered vertebrae then replacing it with hardware, fusing her spine and repairing ruptures,” the family member wrote. “She’ll be in rehab for months. I hope the boys involved come forward.”
Those allegations have not been independently confirmed by law enforcement.
According to Portage Mayor Austin Bonta, police officers and firefighters responded to Founders Square Park around 8 p.m. Sunday for what was initially reported as an accidental injury involving a juvenile on the playground.
Officials said the incident was handled as a medical call because neither those involved nor witnesses at the scene reported any foul play at the time. The injured juvenile was transported to a hospital for treatment, and no police report was generated.
The situation has since drawn significant attention following the family’s social media post alleging the injuries were caused by intentional actions from other teenagers at the park.
Mayor Bonta described the allegations as serious and said the Portage Police Department immediately began reviewing all available evidence after becoming aware of the claims.
Portage Police investigators, along with the city’s Information Technology Director, are currently examining surveillance footage from cameras located throughout Founders Square Park as well as body-worn camera footage recorded by responding officers. Investigators are also reaching out to family members and others involved in reporting and responding to the original incident.
At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether the allegations made online are supported by evidence and emphasized that the investigation remains active.
The Portage Police Department is expected to provide an update once investigators have completed their review of the available evidence and gathered additional information.
In the meantime, city officials are asking the community to keep the injured juvenile and her family in their thoughts and prayers.
“At this time, we ask that everyone please keep the injured juvenile in your prayers for recovery,” Mayor Bonta said.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Region News Source will provide updates as additional information becomes available and is confirmed by investigators.
