MINNEAPOLIS — As temperatures rise through the weekend in Minnesota, one popular spot to cool down was closed Thursday after a person allegedly dumped an unknown substance into the water before fleeing.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) released a statement Friday, saying the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. the previous day at north Minneapolis' Webber Natural Swimming Pool.
According to parks officials, officers responded to the pool where they were told the suspect had been "acting irrationally," putting a hand on the lifeguard on duty and threatening to push them into the pool. The park board's statement said the suspect also allegedly verbally threatened staff and visitors.
Before fleeing the area on foot, the suspect allegedly dumped an "unknown white substance" into the pool's water, causing its closure.
"Webber Pool is our only natural filtration pool, so it does not use chemicals, which make incidents like this more challenging," Dawn Sommers, spokesperson for MPRB, said.
While park police investigate, the MPRB said its water quality staff is working to determine the best water testing process. The Minneapolis Fire Department hazmat team, regional chemical assessment team and the Minnesota Department of Health are reportedly assisting in the investigation.
Parks officials said the pool will be closed "pending findings."
Police have identified the suspect but no arrests have been made. Anyone with information about Thursday's incident is urged to call Park Police Sgt. Adam Swierczek at 612-230-6556.
KARE11 saw multiple people coming to the pool Friday afternoon, trying to beat the heat. 9-year-old Devin Newton told us he's frustrated, but staying positive.
"Way I stay positive, I don't look at the negative in it," Newton said. "There are other pools around, but this one's really big and it's close."
MPRB has other pools open this weekend. Click here to find a location near you.
To stay up-to-date with Minneapolis parks information, visit the park board's website.