Tik Tok Water Bead Challenge Draws Point Pleasant Police Warning

Point Pleasant NJ

29 March, 2022

8:49 AM

Description

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — Point Pleasant police are warning residents and parents about a new Tik Tok challenge that involves firing frozen Orbeez water beads at people. The trend involves using "splat ball guns" to fire Orbeez gel water beads at unsuspecting people, police said. 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. "Anyone who unlawfully uses the splat ball type guns against the person or property of another could face serious criminal charges," police said. "Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about why these challenges are dangerous." Across the country, law enforcement officials are issuing warnings against not accepting the "Orbeez Challenge." In Mercer County, Hamilton police issued a warning similar to that issued in Point Pleasant, saying criminal charges are possible for anyone shooting the beads at people or cars. In Westfield, a woman reported to police that she was shot with plastic pellets last week. In Sarasota, FL, police were on high alert after an unsubstantiated threat of an "Orbeez Challenge" shooting planned at a county fair. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters here, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email [email protected] Follow Point Pleasant Patch on Facebook.