STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) - An indoor amusement center in Sterling Heights had been ordered to shut down several rides that state inspectors deemed dangerous.

Due to multiple safety violations of Michigan’s Carnival-Amusement Safety Act, LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes has issued a Cease & Desist order against Jeepers of Lakeside Mall, located at 19 Mile Rd. and Schoenherr, or operating hazardous and unsafe carnival/amusement rides.

The rides are: Banana Squadron, JJ’s Driving School, Python Pit, and Yak Attack, all located at Lakeside.

Upon inspection, BCC found numerous safety violations, including:

missing parts including a brake fin, body latches, seat latches, rollback levers, keys in pins connecting cars;

cracks in equipment including at a jack stand;

leaking hydraulic line or cylinder;

unsafe lap bars, body latches and seat latches;

dysfunctional operator controls, track joints, motor covers; and

failure to properly inspect and document daily inspections of rides.

The order prohibits Jeepers from operating the rides until violations are corrected to come into compliance, and before they may safely and legally be put back into service for public use.

“Carnival rides in Michigan are held to the highest safety standards to keep riders safe,” said BCC Director Keith Lambert, in a media release. “LARA inspects permitted amusement rides annually; however, ride operators are required to conduct daily inspections before operation according to manufacturer criteria, national standards, and state law.”

Jeepers has been notified that violations could result in criminal charges or a civil lawsuit, Lara said.

The matter has also been referred to local police and fire authorities, as well as prosecutors, for review and possible action which may include criminal sanctions.