An 81-year-old “serial slingshot shooter” who terrorized his California neighborhood with a primitive weapon for nearly a decade was arrested last week.
Azusa police arrested Prince King, an octogenarian, on Thursday after discovering that the man suspected in numerous acts of vandalism caused by pachinko over a nine- to 10-year period was not a teenager.
King, an Azusa resident, is accused of targeting dozens of residents over the years, breaking windows and windshields and nearly striking neighbors with ball bearings fired from a handheld device.
No injuries were reported over the years, but residents said repairing the damage often costs thousands of dollars.
He was arrested in a neighborhood where police were responding to a “quality of life” issue in the 900 block of North Enid Avenue.
Police found new ball bearings and a slingshot at King’s home and immediately handcuffed him.
Police have been investigating the pachinko case since it was first reported about 10 years ago, so this latest arrest comes long overdue.
“This investigation has been ongoing for years because they have never been able to identify who the suspect is,” said Lt. Jake Bussey with Azusa police. He told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Bussey said police believe King was using the backyard of his home for target practice.
Police had no idea what the motive was for this bizarre and long-running crime spree.
“I am not aware of any motive other than malicious mischief,” Bushey told the local paper.
But King was firing with aim and not indiscriminately, police said.
