At least 21 vehicles and Long Beach businesses were damaged overnight after someone shot at them with a BB gun during an apparent vandalism spree, according to police.
Officers began receiving reports of vehicle and business windows being shot out with a BB gun near Long Beach Boulevard and East Eighth Street (map) around 9:30 p.m. Monday, according to a Long Beach Police Department news release.
Within hours, reports in the East Division Naples area were also made.
As of 1 a.m. Tuesday, police said 21 incidents had been reported.
“This number is preliminary, as we do not know how many more reports will come in tonight or in the morning when residents may discover their windows vandalized,” the news release stated.
Video showed multiple vehicles and businesses had shattered windows, and at least one pickup truck had a police report on its window in an apparent attempt to inform its owner the incident was part of a larger crime.
A restaurant near Cal State Long Beach had its windows shattered while diners were inside.
“We had some families dining right before close, and all of a sudden you hear pops and the windows just started shattering from everywhere. People just hit the floor. We didn’t know what it was at first,” said owner Louie Christopoulos. “We called the police and they said it was some thugs that were shooting out businesses and car windows.”
He said about $3,000 worth of damage was done to the restaurant, which actually houses two eateries: the Scrambled Breakfast Cafe and Baby Bros. Pizza and Wings Grill.
Police did not offer a description of the possible vandal, or vandals, but did state they were searching for a four-door black or blue Honda Civic with a spoiler and chrome tailpipes.
Officials also said they were searching for surveillance footage.
No injuries had been reported in connection to the incidents, the news release stated.
Victims or anyone with information regarding the incidents were asked to contact the Long Beach Police Department at 562-435-6711.
Glass-Man Glass Corporation told KTLA the business planned to offer victims a 20 percent discount and could be contacted at 562-621-9689. Those seeking the discount were asked to provide a police report.
KTLA’s Melissa Pamer contributed to this article.
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