Sources: Essex County Council for Young Children; New Jersey Patch
BBs and gel-like pellets being fired at passing cars and pedestrians are causing concern in New Jersey communities. The incidents sound similar to the Orbeez Challenge on TikTok in which frozen jelly-like balls are fired from a moving vehicle at pedestrians.
The trend involves using “splat ball guns” to fire Orbeez gel water beads at unsuspecting people, police said. The plastic “toys” fire gel-like projectiles 90 feet per second over 100 feet.
As part of the challenge, people shoot the water beads at others from a vehicle with an airsoft gun or similar type gun. The beads are usually soaked in water, which makes them expand, and police said there have been reports of the beads being frozen prior to being fired.
The water beads are intended to break on impact but can cause serious injuries if not used as intended, police said. Common injuries include bruising, welts and broken skin wounds.
Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said kids in Nutley are shooting battery-operated Gel Blaster pellets called “gellets” at passing vehicles.
New Brunswick police are investigating several reports Monday night of people being shot at by paintballs or BB’s fired from a gray or silver Toyota or Nissan sedan in the city’s 5th and 6th Wards. No one was injured and all declined medical attention.
Two weeks ago, four people walking near the intersection of George and Bayard streets were hit by projectiles fired from a BB or Airsoft gun. No arrests have yet been made.
And in Westfield, a woman reported to police that she was shot with plastic pellets last week.
“We have responded to several incidents, which caused concern. Our chief wanted the public to be aware of potential hazards before someone was injured,” Nutley police Lt. Anthony Montanari said.
In Mercer County, Hamilton police issued a warning, saying criminal charges are possible for anyone shooting the beads at people or cars. “Anyone who unlawfully uses the splat ball type guns against the person or property of another could face serious criminal charges.
“Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about why these challenges are dangerous.”
Police Director Alphonse Petracco said that parents should explain the danger of shooting at a passing car or individual and the fact it is a chargeable offense.