Search for paintball shooter in West Philadelphia

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Detectives are trying to find a suspect who has fired pellets and paintballs at several residents in West Philadelphia.

The incidents took place near 52nd and Jefferson.

"I didn't know what happened. It just happened so fast and suddenly. Just extreme pain at the time, I was down on my knees in pain," a man who identified himself as Jay told Action News.

Jay was shot in the left eye. He now has limited vision and should regain his eyesight within three months.

During rush hour Monday evening, young boys Antonio Smith and Taequan Carson experienced a similar encounter at the same spot.

"That's when we heard 'pow!' I didn't think nothing of it the first time. Then the second time 'pow' again and it hit me then I jumped and then I fell," Smith said.

The boys got hit in their knee and arm.

"I was kind of scared because it could have been a real gun," Smith said.

Right now, there's no description of who's firing at residents and pedestrians, but Jay tells Action News he remembers seeing the shooter in a car.

Witnesses from Monday's incident said the pellets came from a nearby apartment building.

"You think you're safe in your own neighborhood, but evidently you're not," Jay said.

Anyone with information should contact Philadelphia police.