Three German Tourists Face Charges for Vandalizing Joshua Tree National Park with Paintballs

Three German tourists are facing federal charges for vandalism after they admitted to using paintballs to deface signs, bathrooms, and dumpsters in Joshua Tree National Park.

On August 4th, a park ranger noticed fresh yellow paint splatter on various structures in the Jumbo Rocks Campground and alerted law enforcement. During the investigation, rangers discovered a slingshot in a vehicle and questioned nearby visitors. Three of them confessed to using a paintball gun and slingshots to shoot paintballs the previous night.

Park officials confiscated three slingshots, a paintball gun, paintballs, and other related equipment. Paintball guns and slingshots are classified as weapons and prohibited in the park.

“Defacing or altering the NPS landscape, no matter how small, is against the law,” stated Joshua Tree National Park Acting Chief Ranger Jeff Filosa. “It diminishes the natural environment that millions of people travel the world to enjoy. The park is regularly tasked with removing graffiti of all types, using time and resources that could be better dedicated to other priorities.”

The three individuals could face a penalty of up to $5,000 and/or up to six months in prison. Park maintenance crews are currently working to clean up the paint damage.

Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is approximately a three-hour drive from Las Vegas.

Source: 8 News Now