Three tourists from Germany have been cited after going on a paintball shooting spree that defaced road signs, bathrooms and dumpsters throughout Joshua Tree National Park, officials said.
On Sunday, a park ranger who was patrolling the Jumbo Rocks Campground at Joshua Tree National Park noticed “fresh yellow paintball splatter on structures and signs,” according to a statement from the National Park Service released on Thursday.
“Law enforcement rangers were called to the campground to investigate further and found a slingshot in plain view inside a vehicle,” officials said. “After being questioned, the visitors admitted to firing paintballs with a compressed paintball gun, known as a paintball marker, and slingshots the night before.”
Rangers subsequently searched the vehicle and recovered “three slingshots, a paintball marker, paintballs, and other related equipment as evidence,” park officials confirmed.
Three visitors were cited for firing paintballs at signs, bathrooms and dumpsters throughout Joshua Tree National Park on Aug. 4.
National Park Service
Authorities have not released any information on the suspects involved in this case but did confirm that the three suspects questioned were tourists from Germany, according to the statement detailing the incident from the National Park Service.
“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.”
Upon further investigation, park rangers also learned that at least 11 roadway signs along Park Boulevard from Jumbo Rocks campground to the Maze Trailhead, two miles from the west entrance of the park, had been shot with yellow paintballs.
Law enforcement rangers issued each of the three suspects a federal violation notice for vandalizing, defacing, or destroying property. The violation incurs a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and up to six months in prison.
“Paintball markers and slingshots are legally considered weapons and are prohibited in National Park Service-administered lands,” authorities said.
The case is currently under investigation and the park’s maintenance staff is undergoing cleanup at the park.
Recently, a group of German tourists made headlines for all the wrong reasons after they were caught vandalizing a national park with paintball guns and slingshots. The incident occurred in a remote area of the park, where the tourists were seen shooting at trees, rocks, and wildlife with their paintball guns and slingshots.
The vandalism caused significant damage to the natural environment, with paint splattered on trees and rocks, and wildlife fleeing in fear. The park rangers were alerted to the situation by concerned visitors who witnessed the tourists in action.
Upon being confronted by the park rangers, the tourists initially denied any wrongdoing. However, after further investigation, they were found to be in possession of paintball guns and slingshots, as well as paintballs and pellets.
The tourists were immediately fined for their actions and banned from entering the national park again. The park rangers also worked to clean up the damage caused by the vandals, but the effects of their actions will likely be felt for years to come.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting our natural environments. National parks are designated as protected areas for a reason – to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our planet for future generations to enjoy.
Vandalizing national parks not only damages the environment but also disrupts the habitats of wildlife and threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems. It is essential for all visitors to national parks to follow the rules and regulations set in place to protect these precious natural spaces.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for authorities to increase surveillance and enforcement measures in national parks to prevent similar acts of vandalism from occurring in the future. Education and awareness campaigns can also help to remind visitors of the importance of conservation and responsible tourism.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to act responsibly and respectfully when visiting national parks and other natural areas. By working together to protect these valuable resources, we can ensure that they remain preserved for generations to come.
