TikTok-Inspired ‘Orbeez Challenge’ Incidents Reported In Marin: Cops

MARIN COUNTY, CA — A dangerous, viral social media-inspired prank has arrived in Marin, and local law enforcement officials have taken notice.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday issued an alert to the public on its Facebook page confirming reports of multiple “Orbeez challenge” incidents.

On March 19 at Kent Middle School several juveniles targeted other juveniles with projectile shooters (commonly referred to as “gel blasters” or “gel ball guns”), the Sheriff's Office said.

The incident occurred outside of school hours, and no injuries were reported.

The Ross Valley case is among several reported “Orbeez challenge” incidents in Marin, the Sheriff's Office said.

Most incidents of the prank have involved juveniles or young adults.

The explosive growth in recent weeks of a prank that originated on TikTok has law enforcement agencies nationwide alarmed.

“Some who have been struck by the water beads have reported experiencing pain and injuries such as welts,” the agency said.

“In the event a sensitive area is targeted, serious injuries could occur.”

The prank has resulted in multiple arrests, NPR reports.

“This ‘trend’ also has the potential to cause fear or panic in that some of these gel blaster guns could be mistaken for an actual firearm,” Fernandina Beach Police wrote on its Facebook page.

Some reported incidents have involved frozen water beads that make the prank more dangerous.

The projectile shooters can be hard to distinguish from a firearm from a distance, and some have painted the toy guns to make them look like real guns.

“The devices frequently appear similar to toy or paintball-type guns, but some look more similar to firearms, especially if orange safety tips/markings are removed,” the MCSO said in a statement.

“MCSO is sharing this information to create awareness about the dangers of using these devices against others and to prompt family and community discussions about prioritizing safety and respect in interactions with others.”

Despite admonitions from law enforcement, the company at the center of the firestorm is promoting a playset based on the TikTok-driven prank.

“Introducing Orbeez Challenge – the first ever Orbeez playset!” the company wrote on its website.

“Orbeez Challenge includes 2,000 Orbeez, 6 unique tools and Orbeez storage for mess-free fun! Inspired by TikTok’s #OrbeezChallenge, kids can easily recreate similar effects they see online! They’re oh-so-satisfying to play with. Bounce, explode, crush, and more! There are infinite possibilities.”

Orbeez’s parent company, Spin Master, said it was committed to product safety in a statement to NPR.

"Children's product safety is paramount at Spin Master, and we are committed to providing children and their families with the highest quality toys, games and activities,” the company said.

“Spin Master does not manufacture or sell gel guns."