NYPD investigating string of paintball attacks on Staten Island; 1 as possible hate crime

STATEN ISLAND (WABC) -- New York City police are looking for a vehicle in connection with several paintball attacks in the area.

Authorities say at least five people were struck by paintballs fired from passing cars in four separate incidents on Staten Island Friday and Saturday night.

None of the victims was seriously injured.

No arrests have been made, and detectives haven't immediately connected the incidents, although they all occurred in the same general area in the Westerleigh section of the island.

The incidents may be related to a string of paintball attacks, the first of which occurred on July 6. Investigators believe there may be other victims and are encouraging anyone struck by a paintball to come forward.

One of the incidents is being investigated as a possible hate crime after a 67-year-old Orthodox Jewish man was walking at the intersection of Westwood Avenue and Warwick Avenue Friday when a gray GMC Envoy approached. The vehicle slowed down, and an individual shot the man in the right arm with a yellow paintball, police said.

That incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m.

None of the other Staten Island victims are Jewish, and detectives are still looking into possible connections.

On Saturday, a 45-year-old woman walking her dog was struck in the leg by a paintball fired from a dark-colored SUV at about 10:30 p.m, while a 67-year-old woman walking with her husband was struck by a paintball fired from a dark-colored sedan at about 11 p.m. Additionally, two teenagers were also struck by paintballs fired from a dark-colored sedan at about 11:40 p.m.

Police are currently seeking information on a dark-colored GMC Terrain.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicle can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.