An 81-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a decade-long spree of slingshot attacks that victimized dozens of residents in an Azusa, California, neighborhood.
An 81-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a decade-long spree of slingshot attacks that victimized dozens of residents in an Azusa, California, neighborhood.
Prince Raymond King was arrested Thursday after neighbors complained of being targeted by a "serial slingshot shooter" for nearly a decade.
According to Azusa police, investigators learned that over the course of nine to 10 years, dozens of residents were victimized by someone who broke windows, windshields, and nearly hit people with ball bearings.
During a search of King's residence, police recovered ball bearings and a slingshot.
Los Angeles County jail records list an inmate named "Prince Raymond King," age 81, who was arrested and booked last Thursday.
King remains in custody with no bail. A mugshot was not available.
Azusa is about 25 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The arrest comes as a relief to residents who have been living in fear for years.
"It's been a nightmare," said one resident, who asked not to be identified. "We've all been so scared."
Another resident, who also asked not to be identified, said that her car had been hit by a slingshot several times.
"It's really frightening," she said. "You never know when it's going to happen again."
Police are still investigating the motive behind the attacks.
"We're not sure why he did it," said Azusa Police Lt. Rick Bishop. "But we're glad he's off the streets."
King's arrest is a reminder that even the most seemingly innocuous objects can be used as weapons.
"A slingshot may not seem like a dangerous weapon," said Bishop. "But it can cause serious injuries."
The arrest of King has brought a sense of relief to the Azusa community, but residents are still on edge.
"We're all still a little bit afraid," said one resident. "But we're hoping that this is the end of it."
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact them.
"We want to make sure that justice is served for the victims of these attacks," said Bishop.
