Westwood Police Investigate 'Orbeez Challenge' Threat

WESTWOOD, NJ — Police in Westwood said they investigated an "Orbeez Challenge" incident on Friday. This latest TikTok-fueled "trend" encourages people to shoot Orbeez pellets at others with a gel blaster gun or other toy gun.

Westwood Police Chief Michael Pontillo told Patch the investigation involves a juvenile and is still active, and that police are not releasing further information at this time.

Orbeez are small gel beads that grow exponentially when placed in water.

Westwood Police encouraged parents to talk with with their children about why these challenges are dangerous.

"These pellets can cause harm and injury to others or to property," police said in a Facebook post. "Anyone who engages in this conduct can be subject to criminal penalties which relate to the conduct. Pointing any type of firearm, even a toy, at someone is inherently dangerous. Let us all help keep these kids and our community safe."

The latest social media challenge has police in many states worried about injuries. Several people have been arrested around the U.S. in connection with the Orbeez Challenge.

In Dearborn, Michigan, a teenager is facing assault charges in connection to the Orbeez challenge.

Deputies said the neighbor was walking past the woman's home when she walked onto her porch and shot the neighbor in the face with the gel beads.

In Pinellas County, Florida, a woman was charged with battery after she shot her neighbor with the gel beads.

In Peachtree City, Georgia, police said a boy riding his bike suffered a bloody nose and bruises on his chest after teens shooting plastic Orbeez "splatter guns" surrounded the child and fired.

Police said the attacks are "getting out of hand" as they're seeing more cases. Teens are using the Orbeez guns to shoot strangers and each other, police said.

Earlier this month, the state Attorney General announced he will co-lead a multi-state investigation into TikTok's potentially harmful effects on young users, similar to the investigation into Instagram announced last year.

This story includes reporting by Patch editors D'Ann Lawrence White and Andrea Watson.