For the third time in less than two weeks, University Police are investigating an incident at NIU’s residence halls where someone claims to be the victim of a BB gun assault.

The victim of the most recent attack told UP someone shot him in the foot with a BB gun at about 8:30 p.m. Monday at Grant Towers North.

According to police reports, the victim was treated at Kishwaukee Hospital for injuries he sustained. Police still are investigating the attack.

BB gun incidences are nothing new for police.

On Jan. 28, a victim claimed he was shot 25 to 50 times with a BB gun. The incident happened at 7:30 p.m. in front of Lincoln Hall.

Police since have arrested three men in connection with that incident.

Victor Gavin, 20, of 940 Regent Drive; Sterling Webb, 21, of Chicago; and Maxx Walker, 18, of Chicago all were charged with disorderly conduct.

The victim had no relation to the shooters, and it is believed that it was a random incident, University Police Sgt. Todd Henert said. The victim did not require medical attention.

The earliest incident this semester occurred on Jan. 22 at Grant Towers North. The victim in that case was treated at University Health Services. The suspect was referred to NIU’s judicial office.

“This is becoming a big deal,” NIU’s Judicial Director Larry Bolles said.

Though NIU’s judicial code prohibits the use or possession of BB guns on campus, Bolles said the amount of BB gun incidents on campus have increased in the past few months. But it wasn’t until this semester that the shooters have been easily identified.

In the past, Bolles said people would just shoot out of their residence hall windows and people walking below would be hit. In those incidences, it was difficult to tell where the pellets came from, Bolles said.

Now, however, the university has seen three cases in which the shooter was relatively close.

One individual this semester already has been suspended from the university, Bolles said. Other cases still are being heard from by the judicial office.

The reasons for NIU’s rule against BB guns goes beyond the dangers that exist when the gun is fired. Many of the guns look like real handguns, and some people are carrying them around, Bolles said.

On campus, that’s something the university will not tolerate, he said.

Off campus, however, BB guns are legal. Illinois statutes state that possessors and buyers of BB guns must be at least 13 years old.

The laws make it easy for any student to go to a local store and purchase a BB gun.

“And that’s what’s happening,” Bolles said. “We won’t tolerate it. You are subject to severe sanctions for these violations.”