Series of unprovoked attacks send innocent victims to hospital, deputies ask for public's help.

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Despite a recent arrest, the investigation is
continuing into several incidents of air gun related vandalism and
assaults after yet another occurrence Sunday night. 

Detectives have been investigating as many as 26
incidents dating back to November 1.  During several of the
incidents the windows of vehicles were apparently shot out by suspects
wielding BB or pellet guns.

In a Dec. 3 incident, a 13-year-old girl was
shot with a BB gun as she was sitting at a bus stop near Soledad
Canyon Road and Crossglade
Avenue in Canyon Country .  The
girl sustained a puncture wound on her arm, but was not seriously injured
during the attack.  She reported seeing a tan 4-door vehicle drive
by.    

In Sunday night's incident, deputies from the
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station were contacted by five victims in
the station lobby who reported that they were riding their bicycles together
near Soledad Canyon Road
and Camp Plenty Road when a
car pulled up alongside of them and fired at least three shots from
a BB gun at them.  One of the victims was a 53-year-old Newhall man
who was struck by a BB.  He was treated at a local hospital
where the BB was removed from an area just below his left
ear.  The victim was not seriously injured during the unprovoked
attack. 

The victims in the incident described the suspect(s) vehicle
as a white 2000-2001 Honda Civic 4-door.  Detectives are seeking public
assistance in identifying this vehicle and getting these dangerous suspects
into custody before they seriously injure or kill someone.

Deputies are asking the public to keep an eye out for anyone
participating in this unlawful behavior and the above described
vehicles.  Anyone with any information is asked to immediately contact the
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121. 9-1-1, or Report non-emergency
crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661)
284-2-TIP, or  (661)
284-2847.  

Sheriff's officials are advising that the commission
of unlawful acts such as shooting projectiles at people, moving
vehicles, windows, or other objects is a felony.  Those
caught could face felony assault charges and, if convicted, may
face significant prison sentences.  Officials are also
advising of the potential dangers associated with such actions and the
possibility that a motorist or bicyclist could lose control of their
vehicle or bicycle causing serious injury or death, at which point the
perpetrators could face even more severe felony charges.  

Parents who are aware that their teenagers possess such BB
or pellet guns may also be held civilly liable for damages to property or
personal injury due to their unlawful or negligent use.  Parents are urged
to talk to their teenagers about the dangers associated with irresponsible
and unlawful actions pertaining to air guns and the severe consequences that
they could face if caught in violation of the law.