Paintball Attacks Plague Southland Neighborhoods

LOS ANGELES, CA — Designed to be fun and games, paintball guns have become a serious problem across Los Angeles County where dozens of random paintball attacks have traumatized victims. Among the many victims spread out across the county, is a 5-year-old and an 80-year-old as well as a 65-year-old who nearly lost his eye in the South Bay.

Los Angeles police on Thursday warned residents about the recent increase in the use of paintball guns in crimes targeting innocent people walking or riding bikes. For those who think it's funny to shoot unsuspecting passersby, such attacks can seriously hurt people and lead to felony charges, police warned.

"Last year, we had a five-year-old, who was struck in the face and almost lost an eye," said LAPD Lt. Perry Griffith.

"These assaults are no joke," LAPD Lt. Jeff Bratcher said. "They're serious crimes. At best, the victim is left with clothing soaked with paint. At worst, they suffer emotional trauma, welts and even lacerations."

Last year, 65-year-old Michael Fejes was shot in the face in Torrance, leading to a long struggle to keep his eyesight.

“It happened so fast. Excruciating pain. Then anger. Then just confusion from there,” he told CBS Los Angeles.

His wife shared the pain and the trauma the attack caused.

“It’s been rough on us,” said Marcela Fejes told the station. “To watch him go through so much pain is heartbreaking. And to hear my husband say that they were laughing as they hit him in the eye, like it was a joke. It’s not a joke.”

Police said there have been more than two dozen paintball-related attacks this year, with the victims ranging in age from 12 to 80. Victims are often left with painful, visible welts, but police said some victims can suffer permanent injuries depending on where the projectile hits them -- and how hard.

They also noted that some offenders have been recording the attacks and posting video on social media.

Police said using paintball guns or other weapons that fire projectiles can lead to serious charges and cause serious injuries.

"Parents, friends, neighbors, if you know anyone that has possession of these -- BB gun, a pellet gun, a paintball gun -- could you just inform them of the danger which can occur if used irresponsibly."

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.