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February 5, 2004

A new ordinance restricting the use of paintball guns outside recreational facilities was introduced Feb. 3 at the Township Council by 5th Ward Councilman Robert Luban. "While we appreciate the sport of paintballing when performed at a supervised and licensed venue, using a paintball gun in public to commit assault or property damage is a serious offense," said Luban. "This ordinance will prevent injuries and accidents by restricting when and how paintball guns may be carried and used in public." Incidents involving paintball guns in the commission of robberies, assaults and vandalism have been on the rise across New Jersey, noted Woodbridge Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. "Paintball guns bear a striking resemblance to real firearms and can easily be mistaken as such by police officers," he said. "This ordinance is an effort to make sure these guns are taken seriously by their owners and treated with care as a dangerous, potentially lethal weapon." The ordinance would make it illegal to publicly carry or transport a loaded or unloaded paintball gun, except when transporting the gun to and from retail, repair or licensed recreational facilities. Penalties for violating the proposed ordinance include a fine between $100-$1,000, along with restitution for any property damage and a possible additional sentence of community service or incarceration up to 90 days. The ordinance receives a second reading Feb. 17.