Trio Accused Of Assault By Paintball, Animal Cruelty: Police

SANTA ROSA, CA — Three people accused of shooting people, a dog and a business with a paintball gun were arrested Monday in Santa Rosa, police said.

The first of two paintball-assault attempts was reported at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Mendocino and Pacific avenues, where three people in a Honda Civic reportedly shot several paintballs at a truck.

The victims had their beagle safely secured in the back of their truck and told police the dog was nearly hit by several paintballs.

"Their vehicle was struck several times with several paintballs, causing minor/reparable damage," Santa Rosa police Sgt. Christopher Mahurin said. "There were several paintball markings near their beagle, who only had paint splatter on him. The dog was clearly shaken, but not physically injured."

Officers were searching for the suspects when another paintball incident was reported.

An employee was standing outside of a business at Mendocino Avenue and Steele Lane when someone rolled down their car window and yelled at the employee, then shot numerous paintballs at him, police said.

"The paintballs only 'grazed' the victim, but struck the business behind him," Mahurin said. "The victim was not injured."

Numerous officers searched for the suspects.

The suspects were still in the Honda when officers found the car near Peterson Lane and Firwood Avenue.

"On scene, officers located numerous prescription pills, suspected methamphetamine, a scale and cash," Mahurin said.

A paintball gun was also found in the car.

Police identified two of the suspects as Brandon Miller, 26, of Santa Rosa, and Paige Corley, 24, of Santa Rosa.

The third suspect was a 17-year-old boy from Santa Rosa.

Police said based on witness statements and evidence located, all three suspects were arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty, felony assault, felony throwing something with intent to injure, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of a controlled substance for sales, and transportation of narcotics.

Miller also had an outstanding warrant. Both he and Corley were booked into Sonoma County Jail, while the 17-year-old was cited and released to his parents.