Boys Who Left Pierceton Woods Were Accompanied By Staff
Posted
Jordan Fouts-
PIERCETON – Two boys who authorities investigated as leaving Pierceton Woods Academy Wednesday had been accompanied by staff, according to the facility director. Mark Terrell, CEO of Lifeline Youth and Family Services Inc., which operates the facility for boys ages 8 to 21, said later Wednesday that the two juveniles were accompanied by staff when they left and returned. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department had been called in to assist the Pierceton Police Department Wednesday morning regarding the boys. They later walked back to Pierceton Woods, according to county dispatch. Terrell said residents are allowed to leave the grounds but must have a staff member with them. He declined to give the ages of the two boys. “It’s a hands-free program and if a kid is frustrated or upset” he’s allowed to go for a walk, Terrell said. “Procedure requires us, by law, when a resident walks off, to accompany them.” Terrell acknowledged that Pierceton-area residents have voiced complaints about the facility following an early December escape and shooting by resident Dakota Kimbler, 17. Kimbler was charged with attempted murder. Terrell said he plans to address the concerns in the next few weeks, but noted most people he’s spoken with express support for what Pierceton Woods does. “The minority is sometimes louder than the majority,” he said.
