Recent stabbings raise concern near Monument Valley Park
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is searching for a suspect after a man showed up at a hospital Saturday, Sept. 20, claiming he was robbed and stabbed in the neck by another man at Monument Valley Park, requiring eight stitches.
This marks the second stabbing near Monument Valley Park in the past month alone. The first incident dates back to Aug. 28, when 48-year-old Daniel Parsons was found stabbed to death under a bridge near the park.
Monument Valley Park is a place where people come to escape, read, walk, and enjoy nature. However, a sophomore at Colorado College today told KRDO13 that she is being more cautious now since these incidents.
“I just avoid it mostly,” said Aspen, who mentioned that if she does choose to take a walk through the park, she is more cautious after the recent incidents. “A lot of people use the park for like exercise and stuff, but as an athlete, I feel like I don’t use it as much just because I’m already exercising a ton, but I’m definitely more careful if I do wanna go for a walk.”
Beyond safety, one resident, Larry, who frequently visits Monument Valley Park, says, "There's been an increase in homelessness."
A common thread between the two was the desire for more visible police patrols, better lighting in the park's darker areas, and safety programs for students and park users.
CSPD says they haven't made an arrest in the August stabbing. When asked if the two stabbing incidents at the park were connected, CSPD stated that they did not know.
They also told us today that they don't have any plans to add extra security to the park.
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