Draper, Utah — A day of summer fun at a Utah water park reportedly turned violent after a 68-year-old woman allegedly attacked a young boy for splashing water on her while riding a lazy river attraction.
The disturbing incident happened Saturday at Cowabunga Bay Water Park in Draper, where police say the confrontation escalated quickly and left the child with visible injuries.
Child Allegedly Attacked After Splashing Water
According to investigators, the child had been standing near a fountain area alongside the lazy river when water accidentally splashed onto Marjorie C. Aliprandi, 68.
Authorities said the woman became angry almost immediately after being sprayed.
“The child had stood near a fountain along the side of the lazy river and had splashed [Aliprandi],” according to an affidavit obtained by ABC 4.
Police allege that Aliprandi then physically confronted the child in an attempt to stop the splashing.
Police Say Woman Grabbed Boy by the Neck
Investigators claim Aliprandi put both of her hands around the boy’s throat during the confrontation.
“In an attempt to get him to stop spraying her,” the affidavit states, Aliprandi allegedly grabbed the child by the neck while they were in the lazy river.
The child later told his mother about the incident, prompting authorities to respond to the water park and begin an investigation.
When officers spoke with the boy, they reportedly noticed visible injuries on his neck.
Child Reportedly Suffered Scratches and Pain
According to police, the child had red scratch marks around his neck following the incident.
The boy also reportedly told officers that he felt pressure on his throat when Aliprandi grabbed him.
Authorities considered the injuries and witness statements serious enough to move forward with criminal charges against the woman.
The frightening encounter reportedly left both the child and nearby guests shaken during what was supposed to be a relaxing day at the park.
Lifeguard Witnessed Incident
A lifeguard working at Cowabunga Bay reportedly witnessed the altercation and later spoke with investigators.
According to police, the employee confirmed seeing Aliprandi become upset after the child splashed her with water.
The lifeguard also allegedly witnessed the woman choke the boy during the confrontation, supporting the claims made by the child and his family.
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Witness statements played a key role in the investigation that followed the incident.
Woman Arrested and Facing Charges
Following the investigation at the scene, Aliprandi was arrested by the Draper Police Department.
She has since been charged with one count of aggravated assault, classified as a felony, and one count of child abuse, classified as a misdemeanor.
Authorities confirmed she was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail following her arrest.
The case has drawn attention online as many reacted with shock over the alleged attack involving a child at a family-oriented water park.
While the investigation continues, the incident serves as a reminder of how quickly situations can escalate in crowded public spaces when tempers flare.
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