Marion police are unable to substantiate the claims of someone throwing a boxcutter at a group of LGBTQ+ students in Linn-Mar High School’s homecoming parade last week, according to a news release.
Jennifer Pitkin previously told the Des Moines Register someone allegedly hurled a boxcutter at her daughter Ava and her friends as they passed by on their float. Pitkin, whose daughter is a sophomore, said some attendees, including young children, also yelled anti-gay slurs at Ava and her peers.
In the release, police said they opened an investigation, interviewing several students and parade participants.
“This appears to be a case of several individuals putting together bits and pieces of information which resulted in an inaccurate portrayal of what occurred,” police said in a statement.
Police said they take allegations and threats of violence seriously and have appreciated the cooperation of students and Linn-Mar Community School District.
Anyone with additional information on the incident is encouraged to contact the Police Department at 319-377-1511.