The Turlock Police Department is searching for a person or persons who have been shooting pedestrians and cyclists with paintball guns. At least nine incidents have been reported over the last few days, and authorities believe there may be more victims who have not come forward.
The first incident was reported on Monday, March 6, at 8:15 p.m. in the area of Monte Vista Avenue and Geer Road. Since then, there have been reports of people being shot with paintballs in the following locations:
- Orange Street and Montana Avenue (7:40 p.m. on March 7)
- South Broadway, near Broadway Park (8:00 p.m. on March 7)
- Mister Carwash (location unknown; 8:15 p.m. on March 7)
- 185 N. Tully Rd. (6:00 p.m. on March 8)
- Johnson Road and Hawkeye Avenue (6:55 p.m. on March 8)
- Tuolumne Road and Johnson Road (6:58 p.m. on March 8)
- Monte Vista Avenue and Berkeley Avenue (7:00 p.m. on March 8)
- 700 Block of Lambert Way (8:00 p.m. on March 8)
Several of the victims reported minor to moderate injuries. Police believe the suspect(s) are freezing the paintballs to make them inflict more pain.
Detectives assigned to the case were able to obtain video surveillance of the suspect vehicle after one of the assaults occurred. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a 2013 to 2016 dark gray Honda Civic with tinted windows.
The Turlock Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect(s). If you have any information about the case, please contact Detective Navarro at (209) 664-7319.
The police department is also asking people to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the police. If you are walking or biking at night, it is a good idea to wear bright clothing and to carry a flashlight. You should also be aware of your surroundings and to be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles.
The police department is committed to keeping Turlock safe, and they are asking for the public’s help in solving this case. If you have any information, please come forward and contact the police.
Source: https://www.turlockjournal.com/news/crime/police-seek-suspects-paintball-attacks/