West Palm Beach Man Arrested for Firing Airsoft Pellets into Neighbor’s Apartment

A West Palm Beach resident with a history of pellet gun-related offenses is facing new charges after allegedly discharging airsoft pellets into his neighbor’s apartment. The incident occurred on January 9, when a tenant reported to the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) that his neighbor, identified as 40-year-old Hunter Hopwood, had fired pellets through the shared wall into his unit.

The victim recounted that while playing video games, he heard three shots, followed by the sound of a firearm reloading, and then three more shots. Responding officers observed multiple projectile holes in the wall and hallway, prompting an evacuation of the complex near 50th Street and Spruce Avenue. 

Initially, attempts to contact Hopwood were unsuccessful. However, on January 11, police spoke with him outside his apartment. Hopwood denied possessing firearms and attributed the holes to hanging pictures. A subsequent search of his residence revealed air gun accessories, and a black Huben model .25 caliber pellet gun was found in his vehicle. 

Notably, in May 2023, Hopwood was caught on surveillance shooting a .50 caliber airsoft rifle into a dwelling, resulting in a misdemeanor charge and a risk protection order limiting his access to firearms, which expired in May 2024. 

Hopwood was arrested and booked without bond on charges of shooting into an occupied dwelling with intent to harm and felony criminal mischief.