09-08-2025
IMPD: Boy, 14, worried he'd be ‘kidnapped or killed' in park bathroom rape
The blues and greens of turf provide a bright backdrop for the playground equipment at Tarkington Park, a place parents say is an oasis among the hustle and bustle of daily life in a north-side Indianapolis neighborhood.
Butler-Tarkington neighbors and parents told IndyStar that they enjoy its proximity to their homes and how it's less crowded than other parks.
Tasha Johnson brings her two young boys to the park to run and play. She visits to sit and meditate because it's peaceful. But that peace was jolted when she learned police were investigating a boy's rape in the park bathroom weeks earlier.
"There's so many words to describe how terrible and horrible this is, and how angry I am," Johnson said. "I'm always just sitting around here too by myself."
The block-square park at 45 W. 40th St. is bounded by North Illinois, North Meridian, West 39th and West 40th streets. Businesses, condos, small homes, and two churches surround the more than10-acre park.
While some enjoy the park itself, which features a splash pad and Tea's Me Cafe, others feel that the area around the park, although seeing improvements by the city, is riddled with shady characters who linger not too far away.
At 4 p.m. on June 24, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called about a sexual assault investigation at Riley Children's Hospital. While investigating, police learned the assault happened about 8:15 a.m. at Tarkington Park. A 14-year-old boy told police that he was coerced into performing acts on a man while walking to his summer job.
The boy told police he complied because he "didn't want to be kidnapped or killed," according to court documents.
That man was later arrested and charged with rape, and it was revealed that he had HIV, with a previous unrelated charge of not telling a partner his status.
"It's terrible that that happened," mother of three, Jasmine McKenzie, said. "That's why I always tell them (her children) to use the bathroom before we leave the house. I wouldn't want that to happen to nobody's kid."
Ronald Hargro has been coming to the park since it was upgraded years ago. He grew up in and around the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. He said a lot has changed with new upgrades to the community, but problems remain.
On the afternoon of Aug. 7 the men's restroom was locked. It's unknown if it was locked by park staff or if someone was inside. The women's restroom remained open and a woman in a white tank top and jean shorts was washing her face with the door open. She had a large bag with clothes sticking out beside her.
Hargro said she's among the "shady characters" who frequently loiter at the park where he often comes to shoot basketball with his teenage son.
"It's a risk coming out here sometimes," Hargro said. "It seems like now (the city of Indianapolis is) trying to make it better."
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Recent security upgrades, including the installation of new high-resolution security cameras, helped the investigation into the boy's rape, IndyParks and police said.
"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," a statement from Indianapolis Metropolitan Police said.
In a combined statement the departments said they're reviewing and addressing safety measures, not just at Tarkington Park, but at other parks across the city.
Earlier this summer, Indy Parks hired its first Park Safety Administrator. Since his arrival in June, there have been park-by-park assessments alongside their Park Ranger Unit and Indianapolis police.
Even with the cameras and security upgrades, parents told IndyStar they're keeping a closer eye on their children and surroundings.
"Just knowing that something like that could still happen, it's sad," Hargro said.
