Two juveniles have been charged in connection with an acid attack on several slides at a park in Massachusetts, which left four children injured, according to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. The identities of the juveniles cannot be disclosed due to their ages. They have been charged with four counts of assault and battery on a child with injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and vandalism.
Gulluni emphasized the importance of protecting the community’s children, stating, “Our collective effort to charge those we believe are responsible should make clear that protecting this community’s children is among our highest priorities. Whether the threat and harm caused were intended as pranks or malicious acts, it will not be tolerated.”
The incident took place at Bliss Park in Longmeadow in June, when authorities received reports of a suspicious substance on the playground equipment. Simultaneously, emergency services were called to a nearby home, where children who had just left the park were found with burns. Ashley Thielen, the mother of the affected children, stated that she had not noticed any liquid on the slide and assumed it was rainwater. However, her youngest child began crying, leading her to realize that the liquid was something more harmful.
Fortunately, the acid caused mostly superficial blisters and swelling on the children’s skin. Thielen expressed her relief, stating, “I was surprised he didn’t start splashing in it.” The situation could have been much worse.
Authorities determined that the acid was stolen from a storage room at the park’s swimming pool, where chemicals are kept. Muriatic acid, commonly used for cleaning or maintaining a pool’s pH balance, was poured onto the slides.
Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of playgrounds and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The charges against the juveniles highlight the severity of their actions and the community’s commitment to protecting its children.
The investigation into the acid attack is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the juveniles have been arrested. The Hampden District Attorney’s office is working diligently to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of ensuring the safety of public spaces, especially those meant for children’s recreation. Communities must come together to condemn such acts and take measures to prevent them in the future.
The affected children and their families are grateful that the injuries were not more severe and are hopeful that justice will be served in this case.
