Police increase patrols at Lehigh park following recent crimes

Author: Andrew Scheinthal
Published: Updated:

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.- Tuesday night, deputies will make their presence known at a popular local park.

In the past couple of weeks, Veterans Park off of Homestead Road has seen at least two violent crimes.

Authorities are now stepping up patrols, getting out of their cars and talking to more residents. They want people to know Veterans Park is not the place to come and start trouble.

With  family in town, Janet Bugner thought visiting Veterans Park was a great way to spend the day with her  grand kids.

“It’s for them to have time, you know, to play and get out some of their energy, but it should be safe,” said Bugner.

Recently, one person was robbed at knife point, the blade pressed against the  victim’s neck. A few days later, a massive brawl  involving more than two dozen people broke out at the skate park, just feet away from the playground.

Steven Rhodes also likes to visit the park frequently with his daughter.

“If the deputies are here walking, speaking, knowing people, then that might deter more of it,” said Rhodes.

The Sheriff’s Office says they are utilizing their resources to have deputies to do more area checks.

People have already seen a difference.

“More deputies on the ground. You know, walking around, talking,” said Rhodes.

Even with more deputies, residents say they’re still on edge.

“You know, I heard about the fight and everything, and this just goes to show you it’s not safe out here,” said Bugner.

Neighbors say they hope if deputies make the park safer, it’ll make their community safer.

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