A tragic incident occurred at the Davenport Skate Park in June 2025, where a 34 year old homeless man, Eldon Caruthers, was beaten so severely that it resulted in a stroke and subsequent paralysis. A video was taken while he choked on his own blood following the beating. He is currently fighting for his life in Iowa City. The most shocking part? The cameras at the skate park were turned off during this appalling incident. Frustration mounts as the city declines to comment on this inexcusable oversight. This is not an isolated incident. There was a man shot and killed at the skate park in 2023. Many more instances of violence have occurred at the skatepark park. The skate community in Davenport, Iowa, has reached out to city officials urging them to turn on the surveillance cameras at the skate park before this most recent incident. Their requests have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears, leaving our community vulnerable and unsafe. 

How many more incidents need to occur before action is taken? Active cameras could serve as a deterrent to violence and vandalism, offering an added layer of protection for everyone who visits this space. For skateboarders, families, and visitors, knowing that the park is under watchful eyes can provide peace of mind and security. In recent years, cities that have implemented constant camera surveillance have reported a marked decrease in crime and vandalism. This is not only about our community's safety but also about ensuring accountability in public spaces. Having operational cameras would also provide evidence in situations where criminal activities occur, assisting law enforcement in solving crimes promptly. 

It's time for the city to act and take this simple yet effective step towards safeguarding our community. Urgently asking Davenport city officials and lawmakers to activate the cameras at the Davenport Skate Park. The city of Davenport needs to be held accountable for ignoring the obvious cries from members of the skate community who want our park to be safer. Let’s make our voices heard and make a change. Please sign this petition to demand the activation of cameras at the Davenport Skate Park to prevent further incidents of violence and ensure the safety of everyone.

You can donate to Eldon, the man who was beaten almost to death under cameras that were not operating at the Davenport Skatepark, on this Go-Fund-Me. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ellas-family-through-this-crisis?attribution_id=sl:8743a969-5cef-46a8-b56b-8eb063e42ce2&lang=en_US&ts=1750131222&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2-amp15_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=native_options&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLFEh9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHoesrgY0NiPf-y8Xg3UznORdS6Bb5i2MDh0dNm8Ougx9ZpSig4tmRbtsLcCT_aem_WjvMPHA1TU7nI9lYmvorjg