"I've never seen the attention given to a family endangering case as this," Deters said.
Michelle
Gregg and her son were at the zoo May 28 when witnesses said he climbed
over a 3-foot-tall fence and went through thick bushes that separate
visitors from the moat that surrounds the exhibit. Gregg turned her
attention to other children, witnesses said, and the boy fell into the
shallow water, about 15 feet below.
A 17-year-old silverback
gorilla, Harambe, climbed down into the water, picked up the boy and
eventually began dragging him around.
To ensure the boy’s safety,
zoo officials eventually shot and killed the gorilla. The boy suffered
“a concussion and a few scrapes,” Gregg said in a Facebook post.
"If you don't believe a 3-year-old can scamper away that quickly, you've never had kids," Deters said. "They just do that."
The
Enquirer reported last week that the Cincinnati Police Department had
completed its investigation into the May 28 incident without
recommending charges.
The family released a statement shortly after Deters announced there will be no charges.
"The
family is very pleased with this decision; it is what we expected. This
is one more step in allowing us to put this tragic episode behind us
and return to our normal family life," the statement said. "We extend
thanks to all of those who have been praying for us and who have
supported us through this trying ordeal and praise to God for His mercy
and grace."
Gregg works as site manager of Little Blossoms Academy in College Hill, an early childhood education center.
The
U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting an investigation regarding
the safety and operation of the zoo. Hamilton County commissioners have
said they will ask their appointees to the zoo board to conduct an
investigation.
Gregg family spokeswoman Gail Myers said there are no plans to pursue a lawsuit against the zoo
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2016/06/06/live-prosecutor-announces-decision-zoo-charges/85491968/
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