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CONCORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A viral TikTok trend may responsible for two incidents of people being hit with pellets in Concord on Friday.
Concord Police reported two separate incidents on Friday of people hit with a projectile fired from what police believe to be an air-powered pellet gun. The first incident involved a woman being struck in the face and the second involved a teenager being struck.
Both were driving along Sudbury Road at the time and police recovered a small water gel pellet at both scenes. Neither driver suffered any visible injuries.
The recovery of the gel pellets led Concord Police to believe these incidents may be a part of the "Orbeez Challenge" that has gone viral on TikTok. The challenge sees people shooting small circular water gel pellets known as an Orbeez from air-powered pellet guns at people.
There have been several incidents involving the Orbeez Challenge throughout the country, some of which have led to people being injured. Concord Police said in a statement there have been several arrests made as a result of this challenge, and that anyone caught doing the challenge in Concord may be arrested or face criminal charges.
"These incidents could cause serious injury and we've seen cases in other parts of the country where innocent people have been hurt," Chief Joseph O'Connor said in a statement. "Anyone caught engaging in this reckless behavior could be charged with assault and battery or assault and battery with a dangerous weapon."
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Concord Police said they believe the incidents are related and are asking for the public's help in the investigation. They believe a black Range Rover may be involved in both incidents.
“It would be helpful if residents who live in the area could check their Ring or other security cameras and look for any suspicious people or vehicles and contact us if they see something unusual,” O'Connor said.
Concord Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 978-318-3400 or call the anonymous tip line at 978-318-3407.
WBZ's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.
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