GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Police Department is asking residents to keep their paintballing in the woods after responding to 17 incidents involving "paintball wars" in the last week.
Asha Elder and her mother's cars were hit by paint balls near Merritt Street and Blaine Avenue.
"She had seen the two splatters that she had on the side, I'm like, 'Oh paint balls.' And then I was like, 'Let me check my car,' and then I went over to the side of my car and I could see it on my car," Elder said.
Several homes on the street were hit, too.
In a Thursday release, GRPD said a rash of paintball wars have caused several injuries to residents as well as damage to houses and cars. It has dealt with 17 incidents since April 28.
Police across the country have been dealing with similar situations since rapper 21 Savage began posting videos that encouraged people to trade real guns for paintball guns. While its intent was to curb gun violence, it has led to some unintended injuries.
Full story: WOOD TV