Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               
Date: March 18, 2022
Case:  22000546
Contact:  Sergeant Scott Purvis
(669) 253-4912
[email protected]
 
 
ARREST MADE IN TIK TOK ‘ORBEEZ CHALLENGE’
 
On March 17, at approximately 3:48 p.m., Morgan Hill police officers responded to the area of East Main Avenue and the Highway 101 overpass to investigate the report of two victims who had been struck by projectiles from a passing vehicle. MHPD officers arrived on scene and learned that two pedestrians were walking west on E. Main Avenue when multiple projectiles were shot at them from a vehicle traveling west on E. Main Avenue. One of the pedestrians was struck on the back of the head, and the second pedestrian was struck on the arm. Both injuries were relatively minor in nature and did not require medical attention.
 
Officers launched an investigation and successfully identified the vehicle and its associated driver. Officers contacted the youth suspect at his residence and arrested him without incident. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a Splat-R-Ball blaster in the backseat of the suspect vehicle. The youth suspect was later transported and booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on charges of P.C. 246.3(b)(c) – Discharge BB device in a grossly negligent manner.
 
In the past several weeks, many parts of the country have experienced increased reports of incidents involving pedestrians being shot at with gel or water-based pellets, commonly referred to as ‘Orbeez,’ a brand of small, absorbent water beads as a result of a Tik Tok Challenge. If struck with one of these pellets, they frequently cause painful welts. However, if struck in the face or eyes, these pellets can cause major injury.
 
The Morgan Hill Police Department will actively pursue criminal charges on anyone caught discharging projectiles from these devices. The shooting described above marks the third similar incident in the past two weeks. Police are asking parents to talk with their children about the dangers and consequences of engaging in such criminal behavior.
 
This investigation is ongoing, and anyone that may have information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Ryan Warren at (669) 253-4894 or email [email protected].
 
Additionally, the information can be given anonymously by https://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/FormCenter/Police-14/Morgan-Hill-Crime-Stoppers-88 or 1-800-222-TIPS.
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