Seven kids in custody after alleged slingshot theft and shooting attack
Police have taken seven kids into custody following the alleged theft of slingshots and the shooting of a public bus passenger with a ball bearing. See pictures of the damage.
Cairns
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Police have taken seven kids into custody following the alleged theft of slingshots and the shooting of a public bus passenger with a ball bearing.
A passenger waiting for a bus in the Cairns CBD on Monday night claimed to have been shot with a ball bearing that was launched with such force the object tore through a paper shopping bag before hitting the man in the hip.
Michael Harris, 35, said he heard kids shooting ball bearings at a metal partitions dividing bus stop seats on Lake St before being hit by a metal ball as he was boarding the bus to Raintrees Shopping Centre.
“It hurt way more than a gel blaster and then ricocheted into the side of my shopping bag,” he said.
“Imagine if they had hit me in the eye and taken my sight from me.
“Lock these little scumbags up and throw away the key, our city is suffering because of them.
“This crap has to stop.”
Mr Harris said he reported the matter to police, who alleged a group broke into a Sheridan St business and stole several slingshots and ball bearings between 9.20pm and 10.20pm on Monday.
Police also allege the group fired the ball bearings at a street-light on Abbott Street which caused some damage.
Later the group arrived at Lake St address where they allegedly fired a ball bearing at Mr Harris who sustained minor injuries.
Officers immediately responded and with help from the Cairns Regional Council City Safe camera network, identified and located seven alleged youth offenders.
All seven were taken into custody and are currently assisting police with inquiries.
In total, police seized eight slingshots and 12 bags of ball bearings.
The latest incident follows a suspected slingshot attack on mini-vans operated by Cairns Taxis in August.
Taxi drivers were left traumatised after a high velocity projectile smashed through their windows while driving down Sheridan St.
Investigations are ongoing into the Lake St incident and anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Originally published as Seven kids in custody after alleged slingshot theft and shooting attack
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