JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (CBS12) — A high-stakes “prank war” backfired for four Jacksonville firefighters arrested after allegedly paintballing a patrol car, signs, and an abandoned building.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, December 29, an officer was driving near North Jefferson Street and West Duval Street when he noticed paint splatters on his patrol vehicle, a civilian vehicle, the roadway, traffic signs, a dumpster, and even an abandoned building.
Officers say the evidence led them to believe that the green splatters originated from a high-velocity launcher fired from an elevated location.
Soon after, officers say they observed firefighters quickly entering a structure and closing the bay doors.
In an interview with the firefighters, they explained that there was an ongoing “prank war” between fire stations, which was a possible source of the incident.
A subsequent investigation revealed 14 red and green paintballs on the roof of the fire station and used paintball shells in the station’s driveway that appeared to be recently washed.
JSO’s Integrity Unit, which investigates alleged crimes within city agencies, reportedly opened an investigation.
After a long investigation, police identified four JFRD members linked to the incident. Warrants were issued on Thursday, and by Friday afternoon, JSO had arrested and booked them into the Duval County Jail on misdemeanor charges.
The firefighters were identified as:
30-year-old Engineer Landon T. Simmons32-year-old Engineer Wesley P. Parker25-year-old Engineer Tristen C. Harrison23-year-old Firefighter Colby B. Lesage
The four suspects involved have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, per deputies.