JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville mother is calling for increased safety measures at a Westside park after she says her teenage son was violently attacked by a group of strangers.
Katrina Walker told investigators her 15-year-old son was beaten, robbed and threatened while walking with friends near Melvin Park off 103rd Street.
“I shouldn’t have to worry if my son goes to the playground, if someone’s going to come up on him and jump on him,” Walker said.
According to Walker, her son and two friends were approached by a group of 15 to 20 people. She said her son was punched, kicked and spit on before being forced to give up his phone passcode. The attackers then stole his device.
A police report obtained in the case confirms details of the assault.
The incident happened in a residential area, where Walker said there are no visible security cameras or adequate lighting. She believes those conditions may have contributed to the attack.
“The main thing that I’m concerned about is surveillance,” Walker said. “There’s no surveillance at this park at all.”
Walker is now urging city leaders to install cameras and increase police presence, especially during peak hours when children are most likely to be at the park.
“Most times if people know that there’s surveillance in the area, they’re not going to commit a crime,” she said.
The park has drawn attention in the past, including as a filming location for a widely viewed music video by Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, which has garnered millions of views online.
Walker said she is also concerned about whether similar incidents have happened before and is questioning whether more could have been done to prevent the attack.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officials have not yet said whether additional patrols will be added in the area. A request for comment was also sent to the District 9 council office regarding potential safety improvements, but no response has been received.
Walker said her focus now is ensuring no other family experiences what hers has.
“This could have been prevented,” she said.