A Vaughan teen is facing assault charges after reportedly shooting a gel pellet gun at strangers in what police said was part of a dangerous social media trend.
Police were called to two different incidents involving the same suspect. The first was on May 2, at about 6:35 p.m. at a park in the area of Sunset Ridge and Kistler Street in Vaughan. Officers responded to a weapons call and upon arrival learned that a male youth fired a gel pellet gun at a group of youths, causing minor injuries to two victims.
Then on May 4, at about 2:45 p.m. a group of youth were walking on Shawbridge Boulevard in Vaughan when a black Jeep approached and someone inside fired a gel pellet gun at the group. One victim was hit in the head, sustaining minor injuries.
YRP said there is a current social media trend called the Orbeez Challenge that encourages participants to shoot a water or gel beads at strangers.
Investigators were able to identify the suspect in these incidents and arrest him. A search warrant was also executed at his house, where officers found the associated vehicle and seized other evidence related to the offences, police said.
A 14-year-old male from Vaughan is facing two counts of assault with a weapon.
Police warn anyone who would consider taking part in this "dangerous" online trend that the beads can cause serious injuries. Suspects can be charged with serious offences like assault with a weapon, as the suspect in this case was.
Police also said that a lot of the time the pellet guns used are painted to resemble real firearms. Police warn that officers responding to weapons calls have to make quick decisions and may not know whether the gun is real or a toy, which can lead to serious consequences.
Anyone with information is asked to contact York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online.
