DUI Crashes + Orbeez Assault: Loudoun County Crime Report

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Deputies in Loudoun County responded to several reports over the weekend, including a pair of DUI-related crashes and an assault with an Orbeez toy gun.

An assault was reported in the 42600 block of Tunstall Terrace around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. A complainant reported that children shot at him with an Orbeez toy gun. The man suffered minor injuries, according to the police report.

The "Orbeez Challenge" is currently a trend on Tiktok. In this trend, people passing in vehicles are shooting water beads at others with a pellet-type gun or an airsoft gun. Orbeez is the name of the brand that makes the pellets.

The gel water beads are intended to break on impact but can cause serious injuries if not used as intended, according to manufacturer warnings.

In Loudoun County, the sheriff's office is urging parents to talk to their children about the challenge. "These beads, balls, pellets, etc. can cause serious injuries, serious property damage, and result in some very serious criminal charges," the sheriff's office wrote in Monday's report. "In many instances, these air guns are painted to resemble real functioning firearms. We encourage parents to discuss the dangers and consequences of this type of activity with their children."

Around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, the sheriff's office received a report of a crash near the intersection of N. Sterling Boulevard and East Frederick Drive in Sterling. When deputies arrived on the scene, they determined that the driver of the striking vehicle was under the influence, according to the police report.

The driver was charged with one count of driving while intoxicated. He was released from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on his own recognizance.

Another DUI-related crash was reported in Purcellville on Sunday night. The crash occurred near Hirst Road and N. Hatcher Avenue, authorities said.

The crash involved two vehicles, and deputies determined that the driver of the striking vehicle was under the influence of alcohol, according to the police report. One passenger in the other vehicle was taken to a hospital for treatment of their injury, police said.

The driver of the striking vehicle was charged with driving while intoxicated. She is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center pending a bond review, police said.

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