Woman in stable condition after shooting at AHS hangout Frankie's Fun Park

by Jesse P.

On March 13, 2023 the Columbia Police department was dispatched to Frankie’s Fun Park after a woman was shot. Frankie’s Fun Park is a well known attraction in the Midlands that contains all kinds of family fun including mini golf, arcade games, go karts, and many other attractions. Frankie’s has something for all ages, and AHS students are known to attend.

The woman, whose name remains anonymous, was at the park with her husband (Stewart Steele) and son when they heard shooting from the bathrooms. Steele states that his wife just jumped into action along with employees from Frankies.

With help from others she collected a bunch of women and children and put them into the bathroom and barricaded the door. After barricading the door surveillance video believes after a fight with groups he fires and hits the woman.

Frankie’s closed, but soon reopened at noon the next day on normal business hours. Many bystanders give Frankie's staff kudos for staying calm and helping other people to safety. With this incident occurring people have suggested that Frankie’s add things to the park to keep this from happening again. Some items being metal detectors and more security.

With this event happening it left some people paranoid, wondering what influences this kind of behavior. Is it poor raising, or something deeper like taking out their anger and how they are feeling on others. Even though this terrible shooting happened it has not slowed down Frankie’s business whatsoever, families still arrive at Frankie’s daily to receive all the fun and enjoyment the park has to offer.

When interviewed Airport student Cooper L. states “I feel this event is something that easily could’ve been prevented, and i don't know what would drive a person to shoot someone for no reason” Melani M., another Airport student says, “I would definitely be hesitant to go back to Frankies after this happened because it could happen again.” Melani M. also states, “One way that they could prevent this from happening again is to check guests belongings carefully and pat them down. Things like this could easily prevent another incident from happening.”

When questioned on the shooting the general manager for Frankie’s Fun Park declines any comments relating to the incident. Police are still searching for the shooter and have made no arrests.