Three Arrested After Attack on Teen Lifeguard at Endicott Pool

Authorities say three people face felony charges following an attack on a teenager who was working as a lifeguard at George W. Johnson Park on the Endicott's North Side.

Village police on Thursday announced that 23-year-old Joseph Rivera of Binghamton has been charged with third-degree burglary in connection with the incident. He was arrested on Wednesday.

Police said two boys - ages 14 and 15 - had previously been referred to Broome County Family Court as a result of the investigation. They face the same charge filed against Rivera.

The mother of the lifeguard posted a statement on social media about the attack. She said her son had sustained a mild concussion.

According to a news release, Rivera and the youths had been ordered to leave the area of the "Z Pool" in the park around 5 p.m. July 30. They had been kicked out of the pool because they allegedly violated the rules.

Investigators said the three refused to leave the pool area and became confrontational with the lifeguards. Rivera allegedly punched one lifeguard. The two juveniles are accused of joining in on the attack.

Rivera was transported to the Broome County Jail to await arraignment.

The swimming pool has been closed to the general public since the attack. It is still open for groups that previously were issued use permits by the Endicott village board.

The pool is expected to reopen to the public after surveillance cameras are installed and new security procedures have been implemented to protect workers.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.