81-year-old US serial slingshot shooter arrested

A “serial slingshot shooter” who allegedly provoked residents of his California neighborhood for years has been arrested, police said.

The 81-year-old man is accused of using a slingshot to fire ball bearings at dozens of houses in the area, breaking windows and narrowly missing people.

Azusa police said Prince King’s arrest concluded a “lengthy investigation” and resolved the “quality of life issue” that had plagued area residents for nearly a decade.

At his court hearing on Tuesday, Mr. King pleaded not guilty.

Azusa police released a statement on Instagram this week saying Mr King’s arrest came after a search warrant was executed on his home in the neighborhood where the incidents were reported.

“During the search, ball bearings and a slingshot were seized from his apartment,” police said.

The crimes occurred over a period of nine to ten years, the police said. During this time, “dozens of citizens became victims of a serial slingshot shooter.”

These include ball bearings that are thrown against house windows and car windshields and “almost” hit people.

Police said they were able to arrest Mr King because a recent increase in complaints revealed a “pattern” and allowed them to “narrow down the investigation to a specific residence.”

“We are not aware of any motive other than malicious damage to property,” Azusa police Lt. Jake Bushey told local news.

Residents express relief after years of numerous incidents.

“I would often come outside and find small BBs next to the front door,” local resident Monico Palomino told a local NBC affiliate.

“I am very happy that the person was caught.”

Local news showed images of broken windows and plastic bags full of small silver bullets collected from victims’ homes.

According to the New York Times, Mr. King is accused of vandalism.

He was released without bail until his next court date on June 17.