Alameda Police Warn Parents Of Dangerous Viral TikTok Challenge

ALAMEDA, CA -- Attention parents: a viral TikTok challenge is making its rounds on the internet, and the Alameda Police Department is asking parents to speak to their children about the potential danger internet ‘challenges’ can pose to participants and innocent bystanders.

The trend, called the 'Orbeez/Splatter Ball Challenge,’ calls for participants to shoot unsuspecting bystanders with water pellets from airsoft guns. In some cases, the toys are being altered to look real. Other law enforcement agencies have seen reports of pellets striking victims in the eyes, causing other injuries, and raising community concerns.

Over the weekend, APD responded to an incident where a group of teens may have been participating in the challenge. While the victims in this incident were not seriously injured after being stuck with gel water pellets, the incident caused great concern.

"Today, we are asking parents to have thoughtful conversations with their children about the dangers and possible consequences of participating in viral internet challenges similar to one like the ‘Orbeez/Splatter Ball Challenge," APD said in a statement.