Urban Air Addresses Fight, Security Guard Pulling Gun

MOKENA, IL — Urban Air Adventure Park in Mokena apologized to its guests after an incident on Saturday in which a security guard drew a gun after he was assaulted by a guest, according to the business' Facebook page. Joshua Bowens, 24, of Bellwood, has been charged with resisting a peace officer, battery, criminal trespass, assault and disorderly conduct, Mokena Police told Patch.

According to Mokena Police, the security guard had approached a guest at the business to turn down their music, and the guest refused. A physical fight began, and the security guard pulled their weapon when the guest reached inside a bag, according to police.

The guest did not have a weapon, police said.

A panic ensued once the security guard pulled out their weapon, but no shots were ever fired, police said. Numerous 911 calls came in reporting shots fired, so several area police agencies responded to the scene, police said.

Urban Air said the business received complaints about a guest playing loud, "offensive" music. Staff asked the guest to turn off the music, but they were ignored. The security guard, who is an off-duty police officer, confronted the guest and asked him to turn off the music or leave, the business said.

"The guest again refused and then proceed to assault a park manager and the off-duty officer," the business said. The guest started to reach into a bag, and the security guard "felt he had no choice" and drew his gun, according to the business.

The guest ran away, and the security guard put his gun away, the business said. Mokena police officers arrived, and pepper sprayed the guest to subdue him, according to the business.

The guest was taken into custody on Saturday, and the case is now being reviewed by the Will County State's Attorney for additional and/or upgrade of charges, police said.

"We are grateful none of our guests or employees were seriously injured and that the Mokena Police Department has the suspect in police custody. Out of concern for all, we closed the facility for the remainder of the day on Saturday," the business said.

Urban Air apologized for the situation, and also explained why the facility has an armed off-duty officer.

"Many schools, churches and large gatherings do employee armed security guards. Unfortunately, as a society, we have been confronted with far too many tragic events. Our decision to have armed security is solely intended to prevent such an event from ever occurring within our establishment. Had this out of control individual assaulted a child or another guest, we would not want to have to answer questions on why we didn’t provide proper security," the business said.

The business said it will learn from what has happened and implement changes to its process and response.

"However, we plan to continue to do everything we can to protect our guests and employees, while providing a fun and safe environment for all," the business said.