Trending

Raging paintball wars across Los Angeles prompt warning from police

LOS ANGELES — Escalating paintball wars have led to injuries and prompted a warning from authorities.

The Los Angeles Police Department has reported 90 paintball shootings this year, KCAL reported.

“Paintball guns can look like real assault rifles and have the capacity to shoot bullets at a speed of 300 feet per second,’' officials said in a statement. “Paintball guns can cause serious soft tissue damage even if the person is wearing clothing over the area.’'

Police have made several arrests and seized multiple paintball guns. The shootings are felonies. The number of paintball related incidents for previous years was not available. However, police said the incidents have increased 30% over last year, KCAL reported.

Officials said the shooters record the paintball attacks then share the videos on social media, KABC reported.

Authorities are concerned that because the paintball guns look like real firearms, someone could be killed.

“An officer will encounter a young person armed with one of these realistic-looking paintball guns and be forced to make a split-second life-or-death decision,” said Capt. Scot Williams.

0
Comments on this article