Police take paintball 'shooting' seriously
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

There's been no injuries and only minimal damage so far, but that's not stopping Wharton police from taking a series of paintball gun shootings seriously.

If unchecked, the incidents could easily get out of hand, police said, leading to potentially grave consequences.

"There's always the potential for it (the paintball) to dent a vehicle. And at very close range, they (paintballs) can draw blood," said Detective Grady Smith of the Wharton Police Department.

So far, only vehicles have been hit. This past Sunday, three cars were struck by paintballs. Two vehicles were hit at the Sweetwater Apartments, 100 McElroy, and another was struck at the Briar Pointe Apartments, 1717 Briar Lane.

One of the car's owners has been targeted previously, police said.

The three cases Sunday are believed to have happened between 10:30 p.m. and midnight.

Police are following several leads, but have not yet made any arrests. Charges would likely be for criminal mischief or possibly violation of city ordinances.

Though possessing a paintball gun is not against the law, city code limits how they can be used within the city limits.

According to Section 46-4, "It shall be unlawful for any person to ... discharge any airgun or spring gun upon or across any public street or other public place within the city."

Police are also concerned with the possibility of injury to those who are doing the shooting.

With the incidents happening late at night, there's a chance a homeowner might mistaken the paintball guns for the real thing - and respond accordingly.

"Easily a paintball gun could be mistaken for a real handgun or firearm," Smith said. "There's the potential for serious injury. This needs to stop."