Elmhurst police are warning residents of a social media challenge encouraging teenagers in cars to shoot water-filled gel pellets at innocent victims.
The so-called Orbeez Challenge has already resulted in several incidents in Elmhurst. According to a city release, this “dangerous activity” encourages teens to drive around communities and shoot splatter ball pellets at unknowing bystanders. Splatter balls are water-filled gel pellets similar to airsoft pellets which can cause welts to exposed skin.
On March 13, at approximately 6 p.m., patrol officers stopped a car with five male juveniles who had shot splatter balls at adult and child pedestrians at three locations. The five teens were arrested, the car was impounded, and the teens were referred to DuPage Juvenile Court for aggravated battery.
On March 27, at approximately 8 p.m., another similar incident occurred in Berens Park involving four different juveniles, one or more of whom struck an adult female victim with a splatter ball gun. An investigation this week identified the second group of teens, for whom juvenile charges are also pending.
Pioneer Press previously reported the March 27 incident also included a location near Second and Oak streets.
Elmhurst police caution that while splatter ball guns are sold as toys, they can cause injury and should only be used under parental supervision with appropriate safety protection.
Elmhurst Deputy Chief Michael McLean spoke about both the dangers and the consequences.
“I’d like to tell teens the consequences for shooting these Orbeez pellets at bystanders are serious and they can cause injury,” McLean said in a phone conversation with Pioneer Press. “People that don’t have eye protection or protective clothing can be seriously injured. This behavior is illegal, dangerous and it will be taken very seriously by authorities.”
McLean’s message to parents is that they should make sure young people who have the pellet guns use them only under parental supervision with proper safety equipment.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at (630) 530-3050.
Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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