A gang of teens on e-bikes is trapping kids at a local pool, a local father warns

A veteran fire captain tells city leaders that 15 teens threatened his daughter and blocked people from leaving Kimball Park.

Going to swim practice should be a normal part of growing up.

But for families in one California town, a trip to the pool has turned into a nightmare of threats and fear.

WHAT HAPPENED

A father and local fire captain spoke out at a Ventura city council meeting. He has 27 years of work in public safety.

He said a group of about 15 teens on e-bikes is targeting Kimball Park. The group waits for kids to finish swim practice.

The teens yell slurs, block people from their cars, and threaten violence. They even threatened to hurt his 4-month-old service dog.

Later, the same group cornered a woman walking alone. When the father stepped in, they almost ran over his young daughter with their bikes.

About 15 teens on electric bikes are accused of causing the trouble.

The harassment happened at Kimball Park in Ventura, California. The group changes their schedule to match when swim practice ends, even when the pool times change. Police were called on May 2, but the group returned just 2 minutes after the police left.

Electric bikes give young people a lot of freedom to move around. But they also let groups gather fast and escape before police can arrive.

How do we keep our public parks safe for children without punishing every kid who rides a bike? This is a test of how we share public spaces.

We do not yet have a statement from the teens or their families. Supporters of e-bikes say that bans hurt kids who use them to get to school or sports.

Based on the detailed statement, the safety threat at this park is clear, but a total ban may punish innocent riders.

The father is asking city leaders for a quick ban on e-bikes at Kimball Park. He wants signs at all entrances to warn riders.

For now, parents must stay alert when they pick up their children from swim practice.

Who are the teens in this group?

Have other people reported similar threats at Kimball Park?

What is the local police department doing to patrol the area during swim times?