Three tourists from Germany have been cited for vandalizing Joshua Tree National Park in California. They went on a paintball shooting spree, defacing road signs, bathrooms, and dumpsters in the park. A park ranger discovered fresh yellow paintball splatter on structures and signs at the Jumbo Rocks Campground. Upon further investigation, the ranger found a slingshot inside the tourists’ vehicle. The tourists admitted to using paintball guns and slingshots the night before.
Law enforcement rangers questioned the visitors and found evidence of their vandalism in the form of slingshots, a paintball marker, and paintballs inside the vehicle. They had shot at least 11 roadway signs along Park Boulevard. The tourists were charged with a federal violation notice for vandalizing property, which carries a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and/or six months in prison.
Joshua Tree National Park Acting Chief Ranger Jeff Filosa condemned the vandalism, stating that it was a waste of time for park staff who could be focusing on other tasks. He emphasized that defacing the park’s landscape is illegal and diminishes the natural environment that millions of people come to enjoy. The park regularly has to remove graffiti, diverting time and resources from more important priorities.
This incident serves as a reminder to all visitors to national parks to respect the environment and follow park rules. Vandalism not only damages the natural beauty of these parks but also disrupts the experience for other visitors. It is essential for everyone to do their part in preserving these treasured spaces for future generations to enjoy.
