Paintball Shootings On The Rise In LA, Police Warn

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police are warning people of a rash of paintball shootings in Los Angeles and asking the public's help for more information Thursday. These shootings have happened mostly in South Los Angeles and have left people injured.

"For this year, we’ve had 80 paintball shootings in the City of Los Angeles. 75 Paintball shootings occurred in South Los Angeles alone," according to a statement from Los Angeles police. Statistics from last year were not immediately available.

Paintball guns can cause serious damage and injuries. They even resemble real guns.

"Paintball guns can look like real assault rifles and have the capacity to shoot bullets at a speed of 300 feet per second," police said. "Paintball guns can cause serious soft tissue damage even if the person is wearing clothing over the area. Using a paintball gun to shoot is a felony."

Suspects are filming these shootings and uploading the attacks to social media.

"If you are a parent or family member that knows someone who owns one of these weapons, please make sure that they are used responsibly in the adequate recreation areas," police said.

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