Authorities say a trio of German tourists are suspected of firing yellow paintballs at more than a dozen signs in Joshua Tree National Park over the weekend.
The three visitors also used paintball guns and slingshots to target toilets and trash cans at the California Natural Wonder, an act that could lead to up to six months in prison, according to a statement released by the National Park Service. Thursday news release.
“Any damage or alteration of a national park landscape, no matter how small, is illegal,” said Jeff Filosa, acting chief ranger at Joshua Tree National Park.
“It’s damaging the natural environment that millions of people visit from all over the world. The park is regularly tasked with removing graffiti of all kinds, wasting time and resources that could be better spent on other priorities.”
Park rangers were walking through Jumbo Rocks Campground on Sunday when they first noticed yellow paintballs scattered on various signs and facilities, and when rangers arrived in that area of the park they found a slingshot in plain view inside a vehicle, the park service said.
Authorities said the three Germans admitted to firing paintballs the night before and a search of their vehicle turned up three slingshots, a paintball gun and paintballs, adding that these are “legally considered weapons and prohibited on areas managed by the National Park Service.”
At least 11 road signs in Joshua Tree were vandalized with yellow paint, according to the park service.
All of the tourists were issued federal infringement notices for damage, defacement and vandalism.
Violations can be punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in prison.
Park staff are working to clean up the paintball debris.
