Second Suspect Arrested in Beating of Ranger at LOVE Park

Two suspects, one a juvenile, have been arrested in the beating of a park ranger at LOVE Park. Cops say it came after they were told to stop skateboarding.

Philadelphia police have now arrested two suspects in the videotaped beating of a park ranger at JFK Plaza (aka LOVE Park) on Friday evening.

Police have taken into custody a 17-year-old, who is expected to be charged as a juvenile, and 19-year-old Curtis Tanner. Both suspects are from Pottstown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W46ka5cg5mU

Action News previously talked with Tanner, who admitted his role in the attack. “If I had the chance, I would apologize to that guy,” he told the station. “I lost my cool.”

Police say the park ranger had told the two suspects in custody (and one third man) to leave the park because skateboarding is prohibited. Michael DiBerardinis, deputy mayor for recreation, told the Inquirer this was only the second assault of a park ranger he can remember in the last 15 years.

“I think he made a good decision,” DiBerardinis said of the ranger, who is about to take a vacation. “He protected himself but did not engage these guys.”

[Inquirer]