A Chula Vista park reopened Saturday after more than 30 razor blades were found in the grass – some with the blade side facing up – in what police said appears to be an intentional act. Many who had events planned that day felt safer, they said.
Officials temporarily closed Harvest Park at 1550 E. Palomar Street, right in the middle of a residential community, Friday to investigate the blades scattered in a large grass area commonly used for youth sports activities.
Park visitors expressed a mix of concern and confidence as they began their Saturdays there.
"I feel confident; I even took a walk myself and double checked and everything looks good," said Chula Vista resident Juan Bustamante.
Bustamente said he still planed to hold his son's 14th birthday party at the park that day, and he was not alone.
Chula Vista resident Iliana Renteria said she pulled out all the stops to make sure her baby's first birthday would be a blast.
But when she heard the blades were found Friday, she panicked.
"I've had this place booked for four months," Renteria said. "So I mean four months, just trying to get everything ready, and it's like the day before, 'Oh hey, there's razor blades,' and I was like, 'Oh great. What am I going to do?'"
When the park reopened Saturday, both Renteria and Bustamente said they felt a sense of security.
"I feel relieved relaxed and ready to enjoy the day with my daughter for her birthday," Renteria said.
Friday's discovery is under investigation, and although it appears to be an isolated incident, police said parks and rec employees are checking other parks throughout the city for razor blades as a precaution.
Anyone with information should call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5202 or (619) 691-5151.
Though no injuries have been reported as a result of the razor blades, police said they are investigating this case as a felony crime that comes with serious charges, should they find the culprit. This ranges from child endangerment to setting up a booby trap, possession of a deadly weapon and assault with a deadly weapon, should someone get hurt.
Other parks around San Diego have been the targets of similar crimes involving razor blades, including Bonita Cove Park, which has been hit several times since August 2013.
In May, police installed a security camera at that Mission Bay-area park in an effort to deter the unknown suspect responsible for intentionally planting razor blades there.
In the case of Bonita Cove Park, San Diego police have said the investigation is difficult because the incidents are often spread out, with months between each.
San Diego Police Department Lt. Scott Wahl said investigators do not know, at this point, if the cases at the two parks are in any way connected.
