What started as a mid‑July nuisance that felt like a twisted version of target practice ended with handcuffs today, when San José police say they arrested two people in connection with a series of drive‑by paintball attacks. The suspects, identified as 37‑year‑old Alfonso Garcia and a 16‑year‑old juvenile, were taken into custody after investigators tracked down a vehicle allegedly tied to the assaults. Police say the attacks unfolded last Wednesday between about 3 PM and 6 PM, leaving multiple residents with non‑life‑threatening injuries. The arrests followed a focused effort by patrol officers and detectives using real‑time analytics to zero in on the car.
Police details
According to San José Police Media Relations, analysts at the department’s Real Time Intelligence Center shared information on a suspect vehicle with officers in the field, who then located the car in Milpitas. Inside, officers say they found a paintball marker and paintballs, and both suspects were arrested without incident. Authorities identified the adult suspect as Alfonso Garcia and said he was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail, while the 16‑year‑old was booked into the county juvenile hall. Detectives also told the public they believe the pair may be connected to additional assault‑with‑a‑deadly‑weapon cases that are still under investigation.
SJPD Arrests Two Suspects for Assaulting Multiple Victims with Paintball Gunhttps://t.co/Vmq1Orw4mT pic.twitter.com/DKZkBzTLY1
— San José Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) July 24, 2026
The attacks
Victims reported being hit while walking or standing near busy East San José intersections, including South King Road and Ocala Avenue and Lundy Avenue and Hostetter Road. Police described the weapon used as a semi‑automatic paintball gun fired from a moving vehicle and say the shots came from the passenger side of the car. Neighbors and witnesses told reporters that a dark SUV was seen circling the blocks before the paintballs started flying, and several bystanders reportedly recorded video on their phones. According to police, the victims were left with bruises and paint stains but did not suffer life‑threatening injuries.
Investigation and tips
Detectives are still piecing together the full scope of the spree and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tipsters can remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers hotline at (408) 947‑STOP, or submitting information through Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers. Investigators listed a direct case contact as Detective MacInnes (#4778), who can be reached at [email protected] or 408‑277‑4161. Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers notes that people whose information leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. Officers are also asking residents in the affected neighborhoods to review any doorbell camera or dash‑cam footage from the time of the incidents and share relevant video with detectives.
Legal notes
The investigation remains active, and detectives say they are still determining whether the reported paintball ambushes meet the legal threshold for assault‑with‑a‑deadly‑weapon. Any formal charges will be filed later by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office once investigators complete their work.
