Crossroads Park re-opens after large weekend fight, loaded AK-47 found

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – A West Des Moines park that was shut down over the weekend following a large fight, and the discovery of a loaded rifle, has been reopened.

Police were called to Crossroads Park at 5205 Ashworth Road Friday night on a report of a fight involving around 50 people, according to Sgt. Dan Wade of the West Des Moines Police Department. When officers arrived, they found evidence of illegal drug use and also located a loaded AK-47 rifle that had been abandoned when someone left the scene.

Police also found 18-year-old Mareon Wilson in the park. He was arrested on a charge of person ineligible to carry a dangerous weapon. A handgun was seized as part of the investigation.

Saturday afternoon police, in conjunction with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation, decided to close the park for the weekend.

On Monday morning, the park was re-opened.

“The City of West Des Moines did not take this decision lightly”, Sgt. Wade said. “We don’t take safety lightly either. We needed this closure to give our people a chance to make sure the park was safe again. We appreciate the community’s patience and we will continue to monitor activity in the park.”

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