Drive-by Shooting Spree With Paintball Guns In Battle Creek Leads To Three Arrests
A group of men accused of going on a drive-by shooting spree with paintball guns over the weekend in Battle Creek have been arrested. The three men, two from Battle Creek ages 20 and 21, and a 20-year-old Chicago man, will face charges of felonious assault. Battle Creek police responded to calls of paintballs being fired at people on Saturday.
The first call came in around 3:50pm as a 38-year-old resident said he was struck in the elbow in the 200 block of Post Avenue. Just minutes later, a 12-year-old boy was reportedly struck by a paint ball while walking on Garfield Street. Officers eventually spotted a black car on North Washington Avenue that matched a vehicle description from the victims. Inside, a paintball gun and bag of paintballs were located. The three men, said to be cousins, denied involvement initially but later admitted to the activity.
Authorities say even though paintballs are not as lethal as bullets from a regular gun, they can cause serious injuries. Paintball guns should only be used in designated areas and with proper protective clothing worn.