The Elmhurst Police Department is warning residents of a dangerous social media trend called The Orbeez Challenge.
During the month of March, the Elmhurst Police Department investigated two cases involving juveniles participating in a social media trend called The Orbeez Challenge. This dangerous activity encourages teens to drive around communities and shoot splatter ball pellets at unknowing bystanders. Splatter balls are water-filled gel pellets that shoot similar to airsoft pellets and can cause welts to exposed skin.
On Sunday, March 13 at approximately 6 p.m., patrol officers stopped a car with five male juveniles who reportedly had shot splatter balls at adult and child pedestrians at three different locations. They were arrested, their car was impounded, and the teens were referred to DuPage Juvenile Court for Aggravated Battery.
On Sunday, March 27 at approximately 8 p.m., another similar incident occurred in Berens Park involving four different juveniles who struck an adult female victim with a splatter ball gun. An investigation this week identified the second group teens and juvenile charges are also pending.
These confiscated splatter ball guns are sold as toys, but can cause injury, and should only be used under parental supervision with appropriate safety protection. Parents are asked to talk to their children about this dangerous trend and warn them of the potential injuries to victims and legal consequences.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at (630) 530-3050.
