‘Serial slingshot shooter’, 81, arrested in California
According to police, an 81-year-old individual, known as a “serial slingshot shooter,” has been arrested after allegedly causing trouble in his California neighborhood for years.
The man stands accused of using a slingshot to shoot ball bearings at numerous local residences, resulting in broken windows and narrowly avoiding hitting people.
Azusa police claim that the arrest of Prince King follows an extensive investigation and resolves the ongoing “quality of life issue” that residents have endured for almost a decade. Mr. King entered a plea of not guilty during his recent court appearance.
The Azusa Police Department shared on Instagram that Mr. King’s arrest occurred following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, where authorities recovered ball bearings and a slingshot matching the description of the weapon used in the reported incidents.
Police state that these offenses persisted for approximately nine to ten years, during which time numerous citizens fell victim to the actions of the purported serial slingshot shooter.
This includes ball bearings flung toward home windows and car windshields, and “almost” hitting people.
Police said they were able to arrest Mr. King when a recent uptick in complaints revealed a “pattern” and allowed them to “narrow it down to a specific residence”.
“We’re not aware of any kind of motive other than just malicious mischief,” Azusa Police Lt Jake Bushey told local news.
Residents say they are relieved after years of incidents.
“Many times I came outside, and I would find little BBs by the front door,” resident Monico Palomino told a local NBC affiliate.
“I’m very glad the person was caught.”
Images of cracked windows and plastic bags filled with little silver balls gathered from the homes of victims were displayed on local news.
Mr King faces felony and misdemeanour vandalism charges, according to the New York Times.
He has been released without bail until his next court date on 17 June.
