Reading boy, 10, shot in face with Orbeez; Suspects at large

The boy was shot with Orbeez, which are small gel pellets that contain water, while he and his friend were walking on Minot Street on Friday.

May 22, 2024 9:23 AM EDT | Updated May 22, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT

READING, MA — Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect or suspects involved after a 10-year-old Reading boy was shot in the face with an Orbeez gun Friday, according to the Reading Police Department.

The boy was shot with Orbeez, which are small gel pellets that contain water, while he and his friend were walking on Minot Street around 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Sign up

Authorities have released a photo of the suspect vehicle, which appears to be an older Honda Accord that police believe was involved in an assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Police urge anyone with relevant information to contact Reading Police at 781-944-1212.

Orbeez, made by toymaker Spin Master, are “designed for educational, creative and sensory play and are not intended to be used as projectiles or inserted into mechanisms,” a spokesperson told Business Insider in 2022 when they appeared reports on a social media trend. in which they were used in cannons as projectiles.

Spin Master does not make or sell Orbeez shooting guns, but they can be obtained through third parties.

In the intervening years, many local police departments have reported criminal charges being filed in cases of Orbeez gel gun calls, citing the very real danger of being shot with the gel beads.

According to Technology.com, “As with any toy involving projectiles, there are potential safety risks involved due to accidental hits (by Orbeez) to vital body parts such as the face, especially the eyes or ears.”