The Westford Police Department (WPD) recently warned Westford residents of a new trend on TikTok called the “Orbeez Challenge”, which has been called “dangerous” and “reckless.”
According to a recent statement released by the WPD via Facebook, the Orbeez Challenge “encourages shooting unsuspecting strangers with Orbeez water beads, typically from a vehicle.”
“These beads can be fired from a variety of air soft style weapons, some of which resemble real firearms,” the WPD stated. “These water beads can cause serious injuries and damage to property.”
This statement came following two recent incidents of this challenge in Concord. The Concord Police Department (CPD) stated that they have been conducting an ongoing investigation into the incidents.
“These incidents could cause serious injury and we’ve seen cases in other parts of the country where innocent people have been hurt,” CPD Chief Joseph O’Connor said. “Anyone caught engaging in this reckless behavior could be charged with assault and battery or assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.”
This TikTok challenge has gained a lot of traction in the past few weeks, not only in communities such as Concord or Westford, around the state and across the country as well.
The WPD explained how this growing trend can not only endanger members of the community, but also result in serious consequences for those who are caught involved in the act.
“Multiple individuals have been arrested for participating in this challenge,” the WPD stated. “We ask parents take the time to explain the dangers, seriousness and potential consequences of participating in this challenge. Let’s keep our community and kids safe together.”
