TikTok trend leads to two in Massachusetts being struck by pellets

CONCORD — Chief Joseph O’Connor reports that the Concord Police Department is investigating a second incident Friday where a person was struck by a pellet, believed to have been shot from an air-powered pellet gun.

Approximately 6:45 p.m., Concord Police were called to the intersection of Sudbury Road and Thoreau Street for a report of a teen that was struck by a pellet. The teen was not injured. A black Range Rover may have been involved in the incident.

A water gel pellet was recovered and collected as evidence by police.

Concord Police now believe that this incident may be related to a recent TikTok trend called the “Orbeez Challenge,” where small circular water gel pellets are shot from air-powered pellet guns at people or property. Several incidents of the “challenge” have been reported throughout the country in recent weeks, with some leading to people being injured. There have also been several arrests made as a result of these incidents.

Chief O’Connor would like residents to know that they are taking these incidents seriously and anyone caught may be arrested or face criminal charges.

“These incidents could cause serious injury and we’ve seen cases in other parts of the country where innocent people have been hurt,” Chief 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.”

Earlier today, around 4 p.m., a driver reported to Concord Police that she was struck in the face by a projectile that she believed was from an air-powered pellet gun. The reporting party said she was driving north on Sudbury Road near Oxbow Lane, and was passing a dark-colored sport utility vehicle when she was struck in the face.

Police believe that these incidents may be related and are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information on this incident, or anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area, to call police at 978-318-3400, or to call the Concord Police anonymous tip line at 978-318-3407.