Paintball raiders a danger to all
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP news@leader-news.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 both to property and person.

"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.

On Feb. 3, 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.

"There have been several reports over the last couple of months of vehicles shot by paintballs," Smith said.

All have occurred during the night. The three cases Sunday are believed to have happened between 10:30 p.m. and midnight Feb. 3.

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

Though possessing a paintball gun is not against the law, 0Interest city code limits how they can be used within the city limits. Police are concerned most with possible personal injury. Though no one has yet been hit with a paintball, it's only a matter of time, Smith believes.

"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."