An octogenarian has been nabbed by Azusa police, accused of a nearly decade-long barrage on the local community with a slingshot, officials stated. Prince King, 81, was arrested following an extensive investigation by the Azusa Police Department into numerous incidents on North Enid Avenue, where residents reported damaged windows and windshields from ball bearings.
The local law enforcement announced, "DEU conducted a lengthy investigation and learned that during the course of nine to ten years, dozens of citizens were being victimized by a serial slingshot shooter," in a statement obtained by KTLA. According to police, the suspect's actions had become a persistent "quality of life issue" for the community.
In a social media post by the Azusa Police Department, officials reported serving a search warrant in the neighborhood, which led to the recovery of ball bearings and a slingshot from King's home, culminating in his detention. The arrest occurred Thursday, though the exact time has not been disclosed.
While inmate records indicate that King is being held at Men's Central Jail on no bail, charged with a felony, some residents appeared to express a mix of sentiments regarding the arrest. Several people commented on the police department’s post, claiming King had taken aim at their dog, with ball bearings as well. However, he appeared to "mainly ran off unwanted squatters," according to comments mentioned in the KTLA report.
CBS News Los Angeles echoes the timeline of King's alleged mischief, stating that "dozens of citizens were being victimized by a serial slingshot shooter," according to the press release from the Azusa Police Department. The local precinct has not released further information on the case.
