INDIANAPOLIS — A recent incident at Tarkington Park on the north side of Indianapolis has led many parents to worry about their children's safety. The park, a popular spot for families across the area, has experienced heightened scrutiny following a troubling incident.
Carly Henry is no stranger to Tarkington Park.
"It's a fun park," she said with a smile. "We've come here, probably, once every couple of weeks in the summer."
Recently, however, it's felt a little different.
“There’s usually lots of people here, so this morning is kind of an aberration," Henry said. "So, that’s why we came, because there needs to be more people back here.”
On Monday morning, the park felt pretty empty. Henry believes it may be because of one recent incident.
Last week, court documents revealed an investigation into a sexual assault that happened in the park bathroom weeks earlier.
Police said while walking to his summer job at the MLK center in late June, a 14-year-old boy claimed he went into the bathroom at Tarkington Park and was raped by a stranger.
That man was later arrested and charged with rape.
“Sometimes there are people in the area where you kind of gotta watch out," Teryna Owens said.
Owens works at Tea's Me Cafe, which sits right in the middle of Tarkington Park.
She thinks more can be done to make the park feel safer.
“A little bit more safety protocol," Owens emphasized. "We do have officers come in the morning and things, but just like kind of patrol the park during the day or in that afternoon time when stuff starts to happen a little bit more.”
WRTV reached out to IMPD about the incident. Police credited technology like surveillance cameras at the park, along with the assistance of the victim and an alert, quick-thinking North District officer, for working together to track down and arrest the suspect for the crime.
WRTV also reached out to Indy Parks and Recreation. They sent us a statement that said, in part:
"Earlier this summer, we brought on Indy Parks’ first-ever Park Safety Administrator. Since his arrival in June, he has been conducting park-by-park assessments alongside our Park Ranger Unit, IMPD, and our internal Risk and Technology team. He’s helping shape a proactive and coordinated approach to safety that complements both enforcement and community-based strategies."
In a joint statement between IMPD and Indy Parks, both groups said they are reviewing and addressing safety measures not just at Tarkington Park but at other parks across the city.
Parents like Henry are hopeful these efforts will help.
“We live in the neighborhood and we’re hoping everybody will come back to play and make it the place that it was just, like, a month ago," Henry said.
35-year-old Brandon Merriweather was arrested and charged with the incident. He is being charged with rape, sexual misconduct with a minor, child solicitation and failure to warn that he’s carrying a dangerous disease for that alleged assault. He’s being held without bond.
You can read the full statement from IMPD and Indy Parks below:
"IMPD is grateful that the suspect is now behind bars. This arrest was made possible thanks to the victim’s bravery, the assistance of public safety cameras, and the quick work of a North District officer who quickly identified the suspect within their patrol area.
IMPD officers routinely patrol city parks to help facilitate a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. Additionally, IMPD Park Rangers play a vital role in the safety and well-being of all who visit our city parks. Their duties include enforcing park rules and ordinances, supporting public safety initiatives, assisting park visitors, and building relationships with the community.
Indy Parks has been reviewing and addressing safety measures, not just at Tarkington Park, but across the entire parks system. Earlier this summer, we brought on Indy Parks’ first-ever Park Safety Administrator. Since his arrival in June, he has been conducting park-by-park assessments alongside our Park Ranger Unit, IMPD, and our internal Risk and Technology team. He’s helping shape a proactive and coordinated approach to safety that complements both enforcement and community-based strategies.
In the case of Tarkington Park, Indy Parks is thankful for the recent security upgrades, including the installation of new high-resolution security cameras. These cameras directly assisted IMPD in identifying and apprehending the suspect in this case. While no single measure can prevent every incident, this technology proves to be an essential tool in supporting investigations and accountability.
Indy Parks will continue working closely with public safety partners to ensure parks are actively monitored and that any known issues are reported and addressed swiftly."
