3 Juveniles Arrested In 'TikTok Challenge': Westport Police

WESTPORT, CT — Three juveniles were arrested by Westport police over the weekend in connection with incidents of shooting projectiles at pedestrians as part of a TikTok challenge, according to authorities.

The three teens, whose identities were not released due to their ages, were charged with multiple counts of third-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace.

The incidents began Saturday evening when Westport police were contacted by several callers from around town that described a group of youths driving throughout town "shooting projectiles at passing pedestrians."

In one instance, a juvenile victim reported being struck in the eye, Westport police said.

"Callers were able to provide a detailed description of the vehicle in question," police said. "Responding officers began searching the area for the suspect vehicle and were ultimately able to locate and effectuate a motor vehicle stop with it in the area of Greens Farms Road and Compo Road South. The three occupants were quickly identified as juveniles. Within the passenger compartment, officers located toy air soft guns capable of firing gel like projectiles at a high velocity."

Westport police quickly determined the suspects had been participating in "a viral TikTok challenge known as the 'Orbeez Challenge.'"

As described by WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, the Orbeez Challenge calls for people to load "Orbeez soft gel or water balls" in an air soft gun, and fire them at passing pedestrians.

The three accused juveniles were released to the custody of their parents, and are scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court at a later date.

"Any other victims from that evening are encouraged to formally report these incidents to the Westport Police Department," police said. "Please let this arrest serve as a reminder that following social media trends can be extremely dangerous and have consequences."