OPA-LOCKA, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida man is speaking out after he was struck by paintballs outside of a Family Dollar store for no apparent reason.
Miami-Dade Police responded to the scene of the paintball attack in the area of Northwest 27th Avenue and Sharazad Boulevard, just before 10 p.m., Tuesday.
Several yellow paint pellets littered the store’s exterior.
Jerry Watson said he was standing outside the business when a car approached him.
“Two dudes jumped out of the car and started shooting me with the paintball guns,” he said.
A man said he witnessed the disturbing incident.
“At the time, me and my wife were just driving up, and all of a sudden two guys ran up beside my car and just started shooting the homeless guy right there,” he said.
Watson said he attempted to ward off his attackers.
“At first, I thought it was a BB, so I pulled out my little stick and hit them back, but they kept running and they kept shooting,” he said.
Watson said the assailants were joined by a third man, and after he ran into the store, all three of them took off.
Soon after, Miami Gardens Police pulled over four people near Northwest 28th Avenue and Perry Street in connection with the attack. Three people were arrested, including 19-year-old Tyrese Ferguson and 20-year-old Antwon Adams. A juvenile was also arrested.
Meanwhile, Watson threw his paint-stained shirt in the trash. He said the attack left him in pain.
As for the witness, he said the incident left him angry.
“It could’ve been my wife walking up here and caught up in that,” he said.
7News cameras later captured police officers confiscating two paintball guns.
On top of a burglary charge, Adams faces charges for attempted felony murder and robbery with a firearm. Ferguson has been charged with battery.
Both are expected to face a judge Wednesday afternoon.
If you have any information on this paintball shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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