Sonar Search at MacArthur Park Lake Halted by Park Rangers After Man’s Report of Possible Bodies and Guns
MacArthur Park Lake Sonar Search Abruptly Halted by Park Rangers
LOS ANGELES – A planned sonar search of MacArthur Park Lake was abruptly halted on Monday after park rangers intervened, threatening legal action against the search team, led by businessman John Alle. The operation aimed to investigate persistent rumors regarding weapons and potential human remains submerged in the lake, driven largely by concerns from families of missing persons last seen in the vicinity of the park.
Alle expressed frustration, stating that he intended to deploy sonar equipment to address serious allegations surrounding the lake. However, park rangers stopped the operation before any equipment could be used, citing the absence of necessary permits.
“We’ve been told there could be dead bodies,” Alle remarked, elaborating on the dire nature of the speculation surrounding the lake’s contents. His concerns have drawn increased attention, particularly as he has been approached by families worried about loved ones who might be missing.
During a visit to the park on the same day, FOX 11 reporters noted a significant presence of police sirens, individuals passed out on sidewalks, and visible drug use throughout the area. One anonymous park-goer stated, “So many people come here to get high at night,” naming substances like methamphetamine and fentanyl as commonly found.
Alle, who is connected with the Santa Monica Coalition and has previously assisted in relocating homeless individuals to their families, indicated that some families had recently sought his help in locating their missing relatives. “Kids have gone missing,” he stated, adding that police suggested that some could potentially be in the water.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations regarding possible human remains being disposed of in the lake, local authorities have not confirmed such claims. On Monday, park rangers issued a parking citation to the search crew as they enforced regulations concerning permit requirements.
A spokesperson for Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez clarified that the council office did not instruct law enforcement to shut down the search and emphasized that the city departments had previously notified organizers about the lack of appropriate permissions. The statement asserted that the organizers chose to proceed despite these warnings.
Alle contested this narrative, asserting that he believed no permit was required and that preparations for the search had been made well in advance.
MacArthur Park has faced ongoing scrutiny over issues related to crime, homelessness, and drug activity. For now, uncertainties about the lake’s depths persist, but Alle has indicated plans to collaborate with city officials to secure the necessary permits for a future search.
