Two kids shot with ‘Orbeez’ beads after getting off bus in Middletown

Police in Middletown are investigating after two middle schoolers were shot with gel beads shortly after getting off their school bus this week.

The incident was reported Tuesday at about 3:20 p.m. at the corner of Grand and High Streets where two school students, ages 11 and 12, were walking home shortly after getting off the bus, according to the Middletown Police Department. A motorist in a tan sedan pulled up to the children and a passenger in the car, wearing a ski mask, discharged multiple gel beads from a “splatter ball” or “Orbeez Blaster,” striking one of the children in the face, police said.

The children said they recognized the beads as “Orbeez” splatter balls as they were running away, according to Middletown police. Police described the beads as non-lethal and said they are polymer beads that have been soaked in water.

The incident is consistent with the “Orbeez challenge” trending on social media which involves shooting soft-gel pellets at strangers from air guns or gel blasters.

Middletown police said neither child reported any injuries, though one of them had some minor redness near their eye before officers arrived.

A nearby resident had footage of the incident that captured the suspect’s vehicle, which was described as a tan Chrysler sedan.

Police said the incident appears to be random. They are investigating and asking anyone with information to contact Middletown Officer Jared Ceccolini at 860-638-4000.