Elyria Law Director Scott Serazin is conducting an investigation after someone placed blue dye in the historic fountain at Ely Square, in honor of fallen police officers, without city authorization.
Serazin told newsnet5.com a member of his staff asked if the fountain water could be turned blue on June 8, just one day before the Kerstetter 5K in honor of fallen Elyria police officer James Kerstetter, who was killed in the line of duty back in 2010.
Serazin said the staff member was told blue dye could not be added to the fountain at the last minute, due to concerns it could cause thousands in damage to the aging fountain.
The next morning Serazin reported the fountain had blue dye added to the water, so now the city is looking for the person responsible.
Serazin said security camera video from Ely Square will be reviewed in the search for suspects.
Serazin explained he certainly understands honoring officers, but said protocol must be followed and said the fountain water had been tainted with soap and other items in the past.
Elyria resident Sandra Woolfork told newsnet5.com if a city worker was responsible for the the incident that person should face some type of punishment.
"Maybe not lose their jobs but they should have to pay for the cost to fix it," said Woolfork.
"Elyria is having financial problems already, so are you going to do a stunt like that when they've already told you it might cost the city big money."
While other residents like Beth Hamilton believes the incident was well intended and really doesn't need to be investigated.
"I think it was a good thing that they did it," said Hamilton. "I mean it's a tragedy what happened, and I think they were doing it for support for the families who lost their love ones, and not just to obey orders."
The city said so far the fountain did not sustain any damage due to the incident.
Serazin said he would even consider allowing the fountain water to be dyed blue next year for the Kerstetter 5K, but with proper notice and city approval.
