Columbia employees fired after alleged sexual assault on child in park

The city of Columbia says it has fired employees of its parks and recreation department after a 5-year-old was reportedly sexually assaulted at an event in a city park.

WLTX reports an unidentified 16-year-old is accused of the crime. The city announced it has taken “disciplinary actions” over the incident, “which resulted in terminations, suspensions, work improvement notices and staff reassignments.”

“The care and protection of children are of the utmost importance and the City Manager is personally focused on ensuring their safety,” a city statement read.

The young boy was assaulted during a summer camp program held in Lorick Park on July 28, WIS reports.

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 6:47 AM with the headline "Columbia employees fired after alleged sexual assault on child in park."