Man jailed after alleged paintball attack on teen

A Spokane Valley man apparently thought vigilantism was the answer to getting rid of mini-motorcycle riders who annoyed him.

The 27-year-old man told police Thursday night he was using a paintball gun to shoot the motorcyclists on his street “who bothered him.” He added that he intended to “fix” the problem.

Shaun S. Ramsey, 12816 E. 31st Ave., was booked into Spokane County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault in connection with hitting one of the passing riders, Spokane Valley police spokesman Cpl. Dave Reagan said.

A 16-year-old girl was riding a mini-motorcycle about 9 p.m. when she felt something hit her shoulder, Reagan said. She looked at the vest she was wearing and saw paint spatters and pieces of a broken paintball. Underneath her clothing, there was a 2-inch red welt on her shoulder.

A man, whom police did not identify, called 911 about his friend getting hit with a paintball, then went over to Ramsey’s house to confront the shooter.

The two men argued over mini-motorcycles, also known as “pocket rockets,” and the paintball gun, Reagan said.

Ramsey allegedly pointed the gun at the man, who grabbed it from him. That led to a wrestling match and resulted in the man getting punched in the face, Reagan said. Witnesses separated the two men.

Officers responded about 9:15 p.m. and took a picture of a red mark on the man’s face and the welt on the 16-year-old’s shoulder.

Ramsey faces a possible charge of fourth-degree assault in connection with the tussle.

Ramsey was released from Spokane County Jail Friday after one night.