Westchester Man Arrested For Targeting Cop With Water Pellet Gun: NYPD

YONKERS, NY — NYPD arrested a Yonkers man over the weekend for targeting a Bronx police officer with a "bead blaster" water pellet gun as part of a TikTok Challenge, according to media reports.

20-year-old Alex Montero was charged with attempted assault for aiming an Orbeez gun at a police officer as he drove past the corner of E. 166th St. and Sheridan Ave. in the Grand Concourse area of the Bronx, according to the The Daily News and WPIX. He did not fire his air weapon and no injuries were reported.

The "Orbeez Challenge" has been happening more frequently lately, where people record themselves either targeting or firing water pellets at people randomly on the street. Several instances have been reported nationwide, with one incident turning deadly last Thursday, when a corrections officer shot and killed a teen who had one of the toy guns.

The NYPD warned on Facebook last week that "bead blasters shoot gel water beads propelled by a spring-loaded air pump, making them an air rifle. Air rifles are a violation in NYC & are unlawful to possess. Violators found in possession of these will be issued a criminal summons & the weapon will be confiscated."