Paintball Attacks Investigated by Evanston Police

EVANSTON, IL - A series of paintball related incidents hit Evanston last Wednesday, including one that hospitalized a man.

The Evanston Police Department is looking to track down the offender or offenders involved the incidents, all of which occurred during a 15-minute time frame on Oct. 19.

A 48-year-old Evanston man who was walking with a 37-year-old Evanston woman in the 1600 block of Emerson Street at 7:30 p.m. was hit in the eye by one of several paintballs that were shot at the couple. He was taken to Evanston Hospital and underwent surgery in an attempt to repair the damage. The woman was also hit but did not need medical attention.

A 45-year-old man was also hit by a paintball at 7:33 p.m. on Asbury Avenue near Dempster Street. He told police he was riding his bicycle on Asbury when a white vehicle drove by and fired several of the projectiles at him. He was hit in the torso but refused medical treatment.

Earlier, a 45-year-old woman was exiting her car with her 2-year-old child and was struck by two paintballs from a passing car.

In another incident, four juveniles reported being fired at by an unknown type of air gun. One was struck in the back, but refused medical treatment.

Anyone with information on subjects who may be driving around in a white vehicle with a paintball gun should contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5040. Information can also be given anonymously via Text-A-Tip by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and texting the word EPDTIP in the message line, followed by the tip.