Prince King of Azusa, California, was arrested

US News

From Allie Griffin

Last week, an 81-year-old “serial slingshot shooter” was arrested after terrorizing his California neighborhood with this primitive weapon for nearly a decade.

Azusa police arrested Prince King, in his 80s, on Thursday after learning that he – and not a teenager – was responsible for several cases of vandalism caused by the slingshot over the course of nine to 10 years.

King, of Azusa, is accused of targeting dozens of residents over the years, breaking windows and windshields and nearly hitting neighbors with ball bearings fired from a handheld gun.

No injuries have been reported over the years, but residents said the damage often cost them thousands to repair.

He was arrested in his neighborhood where police responded to a “quality of life” issue in the 900 block of North Enid Avenue.

Police found new ball bearings and a slingshot in his house and immediately handcuffed King.

The arrest was long overdue, as police have been investigating since the first reported skidding incident nearly a decade ago.

“It took many years because we just couldn’t identify the suspect,” Azusa police Lt. Jake Bushey told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Bushey said police believe King used his backyard for target practice.

The police had no motive for the bizarre and lengthy series of crimes.

“We are not aware of any motive other than malicious damage to property,” Bushey told the local newspaper.

However, King fired his shots deliberately and they were not random, police said.