Man Sentenced for Paintball Attacks

An 18-year-old Chatsworth man pleaded guilty Friday to drive-by attacks with a paintball gun on victims picked at random and was sentenced to two years in state prison under a plea bargain.

The attacks have drawn national attention because the suspects videotaped their victims’ pained reactions so they could replay them later for amusement.

Ruffy Flores, who faced up to eight years if convicted by a jury on the charges of assault with a deadly weapon and felony vandalism, will probably be released after serving about eight months, prosecutors said.

The videotape by Flores and three friends showed them firing paintballs at pedestrians, bicyclists and transients from a passing car, and the suspects’ laughter at the victims’ reactions as the pellets struck. The videotape was found in their car when they were arrested.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert Cohen described Flores as the least culpable of the four defendants because he did not fire any paintball shots--he took the videotape--and said he “seems to be truly remorseful.”

Cohen would not say what sentences he expects for the remaining three defendants--Malcolm Boyd and Anthony Skoblar, both 19 and a 17-year-old--all who are seeking plea agreements.