German tourists fired paintballs at signs in Joshua Tree National Park with slingshots: officials

A trio of German tourists allegedly fired yellow paintballs at nearly a dozen signs in Joshua Tree National Park over the weekend, officials said. The three visitors used a paintball gun and slingshots to also target bathrooms and dumpsters in the California natural wonder — conduct that can land offenders in jail for as much as six

A trio of German tourists allegedly fired yellow paintballs at nearly a dozen signs in Joshua Tree National Park over the weekend, officials said.

The three visitors used a paintball gun and slingshots to also target bathrooms and dumpsters in the California natural wonder — conduct that can land offenders in jail for as much as six months, the National Park Service said in a Thursday news release.

“Defacing or altering the NPS landscape, no matter how small, is against the law,” said Joshua Tree National Park Acting Chief Ranger Jeff Filosa.

“It diminishes the natural environment that millions of people travel the world to enjoy. The park is regularly tasked with removing graffiti of all types, using time and resources that could be better dedicated to other priorities.”

A park ranger walking around the Jumbo Rocks Campground on Sunday initially spotted yellow paintball splatter on different signs and facilities. When more rangers reached that area of the park, they found a slingshot in plain view inside a vehicle, the park service said.

Three German tourists allegedly fired yellow paintballs at nearly a dozen signs in Joshua Tree National Park over the weekend.
Three German tourists allegedly fired yellow paintballs at nearly a dozen signs in Joshua Tree National Park over the weekend. National Park Service

The three Germans admitted to firing the paintballs the night before and a search of the vehicle turned up three slingshots, a paintball gun and paintballs, officials said, adding that they are “legally considered weapons and are prohibited in National Park Service-administered lands.”

At least 11 roadway signs in Joshua Tree were vandalized with the yellow paint, the park service said.

The tourists were all issued a federal violation notice of vandalizing, defacing and destroying property.

“Defacing or altering the NPS landscape, no matter how small, is against the law,” said Joshua Tree National Park Acting Chief Ranger Jeff Filosa.
“Defacing or altering the NPS landscape, no matter how small, is against the law,” said Joshua Tree National Park Acting Chief Ranger Jeff Filosa. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The violation can lead to a maximum fine of $5,000 and a maximum jail sentence of six months.

Park staff are working to clean up the paintball splatter. 

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
Rupert Murdoch ‘is embroiled in real-life Succession drama with four children over future of Fox News after pushing one of them to take over’
Read More

Rupert Murdoch ‘is embroiled in real-life Succession drama with four children over future of Fox News after pushing one of them to take over’

Rupert Murdoch and his eldest children are embroiled in a real-life 'Succession' drama that mirrors the HBO show they inspired, according to a bombshell report. The mogul, 93, is currently in a legal battle against three of his children to ensure that his eldest son and chosen successor, Lachlan Murdoch, will remain in charge of his empire and keep
Blood tests for Alzheimer’s may be coming to your doctor’s office. Here’s what to know.
Read More

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s may be coming to your doctor’s office. Here’s what to know.

WASHINGTON — New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday — but some appear to work far better than others. It’s tricky to tell if memory problems are caused by Alzheimer’s. That requires confirming one of the disease’s hallmark signs — buildup of a sticky protein called beta-amyloid — with a