A drug deal gone bad that put two South Portland teens in the hospital last week was an isolated incident, according to city officials, who said the popular Wainwright Recreation Complex, off Highland Avenue, is perfectly safe.
On March 12, police arrested Essa Sayed, 18, of Portland, and Zachary Swain, 18, of Cape Elizabeth, on charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder, following the shooting of Ian Soule, 19, and the stabbing of Colin Hands, 18, both of South Portland, the previous night.
The incident occurred at the recreation complex, at 10:45 p.m. on March 11, and in a press release South Portland police said, “This was not a random act. Based upon the investigation the suspects and victims met in order to consummate a drug deal involving a relatively small quantity of marijuana. The presence of drugs and money, not surprisingly, led to bad decisions and violence.”
According to a police spokesman, Soule was treated and released from the hospital last week, but he was unsure of Hands’ condition. A call to Maine Medical Center in Portland on Monday indicated there was no patient by that name receiving care.
In a press release, the South Portland police added, “Neither victim appears to have life-threatening injuries and they are expected to recover.”
Police Chief Ed Googins made it clear this week that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests or charges are expected.
“There is no crime problem at the Wainwright complex,” he told the Current on Monday. “The police department “conducts regular and random patrols to this complex as it does to all areas frequented by the public.”
Googins does not believe the city needs to make any changes, such as more lighting or cameras, based on what happened at the fields complex last week.
“Site improvements are not warranted based on this one incident where some individuals decided to meet in order to further an illegal drug sale,” he said.
But, Googins also added, “Once all the facts are known, we may have some recommendations that may prevent a similar incident at this location in the future.”
He also made it clear that the “facility was closed at the time of the incident and it could have happened anywhere in the city. This just happened to be where the individuals involved decided to go.”
The Wainwright fields are overseen by the Parks and Recreation Department, which describes the complex as a “hidden gem” on its website.
The recreation site consists of more than 66 acres of developed athletic fields. It also plays host to the Greenbelt Walkway and has a playground. In the winter months, Wainwright offers an outdoor ice rink, groomed cross-country skiing trails and the opportunity to snowshoe.
Rick Towle, the director of the city’s parks and recreation department, agreed with Googins that Wainwright is safe for the public.
“Our local law enforcement officers are diligent in supporting the public safety needs at Wainwright Recreation Complex. Staff (also) take all aspects of public safety seriously and our residents work with us to keep the facility safe for public recreational access,” he said.
Towle added, “Residents and visitors both tell us consistently they love the facility and feel very safe while (using the) Wainwright Complex,” but he also acknowledged that “safety within our parks system is a community effort, which needs to be a top priority in order to maintain the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in South Portland.
“We all need to report activity that is out of the ordinary and outside of posted policies at our parks facilities to help support the efforts of our fine men and women who work in local law enforcement,” Towle said.
He said he is considering the possible implementation of “a camera system with strategic placement to help deter the type of activity we experienced recently.” However, Towle also said he would confer with Googins before taking any steps.
Heather Larou, who walks her dogs every day at Wainwright, said she feels “very safe” even after hearing about last week’s violence.
“The cops are here every day,” she said, while adding that those seeking to take part in illegal activities will find a spot to do it.
She agreed with Googins that the incident could have happened anywhere in the city and that it does not reflect badly on Wainwright.
Alyce-Ann Cushing, manager of the Toddle Inn in South Portland, which is adjacent to the Wainwright complex said, “This area is very well patrolled” and parents “feel comfortable” with the security offered by the childcare facility.
Cushing said that even parents who heard about last week’s violence at Wainwright were “not fazed by the incident.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
