CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies made an arrest after an incident involving a child at a popular pool north of Hickory, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say a man was detained by guests and workers at the Kool Park Pool after he allegedly grabbed a teenager inside a bathroom at the pool and then tried to force him into a shower, the sheriff’s office told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty.
Guests and workers detained Eric Sanchez-Garcia after the 15-year-old managed to get away, the sheriff’s office said. He’s facing charges of indecent liberties with a child.
The owner of the pool, Gaylene Carpenter, says this is the first incident like this in the pool’s 88-year history.
“Sick; just sick, I don’t understand these people. But that’s not our norm,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter said Sanchez-Garcia has been banned from the property and his mugshot is posted near the entrance.
Several guests told Faherty they’re thankful an arrest was made, but they believe the pool is safe for children.
“We absolutely feel safe; we’ve never had any problems with anyone or anybody,” said Gary Hefner.
Holly Kaup said, “It’s scary to think that something like this would happen at a place you would bring your kids to feel safe.”
Faherty learned that Sanchez-Garcia was released on a $10,000 bond.
(WATCH: Video: Police take down unsupervised teen at neighborhood pool)
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