Police warn against growing trend of shooting water bead guns at strangers

LAGRANGE, Ga. — The LaGrange Police Department is warning that people are being randomly shot with water bead guns.

Also known as “splatter guns,” they are toy guns that shoot small gel beads filled with water, also known as “Orbeez.”

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LaGrange police said they have received several calls of random people being struck by these beads or being startled by seeing the guns.

LaGrange police shared a photo they said was of a water-bead gun seized from someone during a confrontation. The toy gun, which originally was red and orange, had been painted black and silver to resemble a real weapon. Police said this is especially dangerous, and warned against pointing any gun, even a fake one, at someone, as it could result in the use of deadly force.

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Police said that the trend of pointing and shooting water bead guns at strangers seems to have been inspired by social media. Johns Creek police issued a similar warning after pedestrians reported being shot at by a person in an SUV.

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Police asked parents and guardians to speak to children about the dangers of the trend and to take away water bead guns if they are found.

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