REPORTER STAFF

Redmond’s Hartman Park, atop Education Hill, was the site of two unusual occurrences on Wednesday, June 25.

• About five citizens called Redmond Police to report the sighting of a black bear, approximately 200-250 pounds, eating in the woods.

“The bear really wasn’t doing anything. Anytime someone tried to get close to it, it retreated, so it was never harming anyone,” said Jim Bove, community outreach facilitator for Redmond Police Department. “I think it just alarmed people because we obviously don’t see that many bears in the city.”

The Department of Fish and Wildlife was contacted and would have responded if the bear had attempted to harm anyone, Bove added.

• Redmond Police also investigated a fight at Hartman Park. A 14-year-old male was walking with friends in the park when a car with three other kids pulled up and began yelling at him.

According to Bove, they got out of the car and began hitting, kicking and strangling the victim. The victim sustained injuries to his ribs, shoulder and collarbone area and was taken to a hospital.

The three suspects, males ages 14, 14 and 18, were arrested and all will be charged with assault-4th degree.

“All the kids have known of each other and apparently have had disagreements in the past that escalated to this. It was not a random act of violence,” Bove said.

Citizens are reminded to call 911 when they see criminal activity or feel threatened by wildlife at city parks or elsewhere. Calling police as soon as possible will increase the chance that the incident will be handled swiftly, with less risk of injury to people or property.