People In Chula Vista Being Attacked By Teens Shooting Gel-Ball Projectiles

The Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) has been dealing with an influx of drive-by-style gel-ball gun attacks. What's prompting these very specific crimes? According to police, a Tik-Tok trend. “It’s very stupid. This could have very tragic consequences,” CVPD Lt. Dan Peak told NBC7.

The department has seen at least 10 of these drive-by attacks where shooters use a gun that shoot Orbeez balls, which are small colorful plastic pellets that expand in water, but airsoft guns and BB guns have also been used. The trend has gained popularity on the social media app TikTok and CVPD is asking parents to be vigilant with their children if they own an airsoft gun that fires Orbeez.

Several people have been arrested for these attacks and CVPD says anyone who is found participating in the trend could face up to felony assault charges. “It’s considered assault with a deadly weapon. So, these juveniles may think they’re doing a prank, the next thing you know they’re going to be in Juvenile Hall,” said Peak.

In one frightening case, CVPD a participant with the fake firearm was met by an individual who thought the gun was real and pulled out their own real firearm in defense. Other cases have caused car crashes.