Counselors Allegedly Discharge Airsoft Pistol on 12-Year-Old Campers

Two 17-year-old camp counselors at in Merion Station allegedly discharged an airsoft pistol on two 12-year-old campers Wednesday morning, according to a Lower Merion Township news release.

While neither camper was harmed, the two counselors are suspended without pay, with intent to dismiss, according to the release.

According to township public information officer Tom Walsh:

Police Investigate Air Gun Use at Township Park

Lower Merion Police are investigating two 17-year-old part-time summer Township employees, both of them playground counselors at General Wayne Park in Merion Station, for allegedly discharging an “airsoft” pistol upon two summer day campers late Wednesday morning (July 25).

The two, whose names cannot be released because of their age, are said to have struck two 12-year-old boys. One boy was struck on the pinky finger and another was struck in the back, on his upper shoulder blade. Both children were deemed unharmed by a summer camp supervisor, who said the plastic projectiles caused no marks on the boys.

“Both employees are suspended without pay, with the intent to dismiss,” said Lower Merion Parks and Recreation Department Director Lindsay Taylor, who referred the matter to Township police upon learning of the incident.

Most of the other General Wayne Park day campers were elsewhere — swimming at a township pool — when the incident occurred.

As of 4:30 p.m., Lower Merion Township Police Supervisor Michael McGrath said officers were following up with the parents of the two children and two teens involved. No charges have been filed at this time.

For more information, contact Public Information Officer Tom Walsh at 610-645-6221.