The Seattle Police Department is investigating a series of reported paintball attacks in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
On Nov. 20, three community members reported to the Department of Public Safety a red Mini Cooper with four occupants inside pulled up alongside them around 9:30 p.m. on 12th avenue.
One of the occupants pointed and fired a paintball gun at one of the community members before continuing southbound on 12th Avenue, according to the report.
"I almost was, like, 'Is this real?'" said Maddie Mathews, a Seattle University sophomore.
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She and Claire Thompson said they received the Seattle University alert about the attacks, which are happening on the 12th Avenue route they walk each day.
"My boyfriend lives in a house over there," Thompson said. "So I am always walking back and forth. I live on campus. And it's scary. I know, like, this time it was just a paintball. But what's it going to be next time?"
Around 11:20 a.m. on Nov. 22, two community members were walking separately in the area of 12th Avenue and East Jefferson Street, and 12th Avenue and East Cherry Street when they both reported having paintballs fired at them from a moving vehicle.
One victim's face was swollen after she was hit.
"Yeah, I've gone paintball shooting or whatever you do," said Mathews, laughing. "And it hurts. And especially if you're not participating in the game."
The Seattle Police Department is aware of the reports and has received multiple independent reports of similar incidents occurring near 12th and 13th avenues.
Larney McIntosh lives in an apartment in the 100 block of 11th Street. One paintball attack happened on his street.
"I don't know what to think," McIntosh said. "I don't think it's the area that's bad. People just do foolish things sometimes."
The attacks have forced those who frequent the area to be vigilant.
"I always try to be aware of my surroundings," said Colina Bruce, who works at Seattle University. "I'm more careful about not being on my phone when I'm walking down the street, and just trying to make sure I'm seeing what's happening around me."
The Department of Public Safety is working with the Seattle Police to identify the suspected vehicle.
Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to contact the Department of Public Safety at (206) 296-5911.