Police Investigate Miami Paintball Attacks
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Miami police are concerned because there have been five paintball gun attacks in Wynwood, Allapattah and the northern part of the city.
Three men have been victimized, but no one has been seriously hurt.
"At first, I thought it was a BB gun because it was quiet. Then I saw paint on my shirt and pants and I knew it was a paintball gun," said Randy, one of the victims, who did not want to provide his last name.
The paintball attack left him with reddish welts on his chest, arms and back.
Randy, who is a grocery store worker, says it happened Tuesday night at Northwest 32nd Street and 5th avenue.
"I was walking down from work at the corner of 7th Avenue and 32nd Street when a Mercedes that is green or grey and people with a black shirt came out. I saw them and I ran around back and a guy ran up to me and shot me a couple of times."
The same night, ten blocks south on Northwest 22nd Street, Major Anderson told CBS4 Miami's Peter D'Oench that one of his security guards was also attacked, leaving orange paint on the building.
"It hit him on the chest. He was very scared and he called 911." Fortunately, security guard Eddie Vixam was not hurt.
"I feel disgusted. He could have had a heart attack. Those things hurt," Anderson said.
Police are looking for a newer model, four-door dark gray Mercedes Benz.
Randy said his attacker did not say anything to him while shooting paintballs.
Some of those out enjoying the nightlife in Wynwood couldn't help but worry about their safety after hearing about the attacks.
"Just hearing about that today and now we're here it's like concerning," said Ashley Hinds, who was out with her friends.
"Obviously there's not long-term damage but you never know. That's still scary. You still get bruises," said Alexa De La Maza.
Miami police say the men involved will face assault charges.
So far police do not have a description of the suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
