Arrows with sharp tips mysteriously shot at California homes

Arrows that have mysteriously landed on homes, in yards and along nearby streets are troubling residents of a southeast Huntington Beach neighborhood.

Police began receiving calls from homeowners near Brookhurst Street and Indianapolis Avenue some two weeks ago about arrows lodged in their rooftops and floating in swimming pools, according to Huntington Beach Police spokeswoman Jessica Cuchilla. The neighborhood, tucked next to the Santa Ana River, includes several residential cul-de-sacs, a community park and a Little League baseball field.

No injuries were reported as of Tuesday, Dec. 13, but authorities are concerned that residents could be struck by flying arrows.

At least six cases have been reported so far, Cuchilla said.

Residents near Brookhurst Street and Indianapolis Avenue have reported finding arrows on or near their property, raising safety concerns. (Courtesy of the Huntington Beach Police Department)
Residents near Brookhurst Street and Indianapolis Avenue have reported finding arrows on or near their property, raising safety concerns. (Courtesy of the Huntington Beach Police Department) 

The arrows have ranged from 6 inches to 13 inches, some with sharp tips and others with round ones. They’ve typically been shot late at night, Cuchilla said.

One resident living off of Indianapolis Avenue, Tanya McMillan, 38, said she found a crossbow bolt sticking out of her front lawn about a week ago.

“From where it landed, it looked like it was just a bit off from going through our kitchen window,” she said.

The most recent case happened on Friday evening, Dec. 9 –  about an hour after authorities sought the public’s help in identifying the person responsible.

Colin Kelley, who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly a decade, said his wife woke up the morning after Thanksgiving and found an arrow jutting out of their roof.

“It’s pretty terrifying, this was a legitimate hunting arrow,” Kelley said. “You wouldn’t think in this day and age you’d have to be worrying about an arrow coming down on you.”

Though police said they’ve only begun receiving reports in recent weeks, arrows have been found in the community for months, Kelley said, with neighbors seeing arrows and small crossbow bolts on or near their properties since August.

“I just want my kids to be able to play outside again safely,” Kelley said.

Investigators are asking residents to check their security cameras to help identify a suspect, and for those who might have noticed anyone with a bow or crossbow in the area recently to contact Huntington Beach Police Det. Remington at (714) 960-8825 or [email protected].

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