ONTARIO — Ontario police are warning the public after discovering small metal spikes in various areas of Marshall Park, posing a potential threat to park visitors.

Lieutenant Tony Grimwood said officers found spikes — roughly an inch and a half long — in roadways near the park.

“We’re hammering away at this,” Grimwood said.

He said the spikes have already affected multiple vehicles.

“We’ve had several car owners report flat tires,” Grimwood said. “Thankfully, there have been no injuries.”

The department emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a public press release issued Wednesday afternoon, calling the act a “blatant disregard for human life” with the potential to cause serious injury or even fatal crashes.

“If a car is traveling on U.S. 30 and blows a tire, we want those responsible to understand they will face maximum charges,” Grimwood said.

According to the press release, the city’s parks and streets department is working alongside police to search the area and remove any remaining hazards. The park itself remains open, but officials are urging visitors to stay alert and stick to designated paths.

Grimwood said he does not believe the incidents target anyone specifically.

“Our concern is whether someone thinks this is funny — but we don’t want a mom to get stranded with her children in a car,” he said. 

Grimwood said police are asking the public for help, noting the park draws heavy and frequent use.

“We need information,” Grimwood said. “There are people in that area all the time, and we need to identify a specific vehicle to attach to a person.”

The Ontario Police Department urges anyone with information, or anyone who believes the spikes affected them, to call 419-529-2115.

Grimwood noted similar incidents have occurred in Mansfield in the past, raising additional concern among local officials.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing.

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