2 Middletown Students Shot At With Toy Blaster: Middletown Police

MIDDLETOWN, CT – Middletown Police Department said they are investigating a discharge from a toy baster that struck an 11-year-old and 12-year-old Middletown student.

Police said on May 16, around 4:36 p.m., Middletown police were called to the area of Gant Street for a report of two juveniles being struck with water beads from a splatter ball or Orbeez baster toy.

Police described an Orbeez Blaster as a toy that discharges soft polymer beads previously soaked in water to create a jelly-like, non-lethal ball.

Police officials said when officers arrived, they learned that an 11-year-old and 12-year-old Middletown student got off the school bus at the intersection of Grant Street and High Street around 3:30 p.m.

As the students started walking home, a vehicle pulled up to them. The front seat passenger of the car reached out the window and displayed what the juveniles described as a “Nerf gun,” police said.

The passenger began discharging the beads from the toy at the students, and the juvenile was struck in the face, police said.

Police officials said the students recognized the projectiles as “Orbeez” plaster balls as they ran away.

There were no reported injuries, but one juvenile was said to have had minor redness near their eye before police arrival, police said.

The juveniles described the vehicle as a tan sedan, and the passenger who discharged the beads was described as a black male wearing a ski mask, police said.

Officers checked the area and determined that a resident, who wished to remain anonymous, had video footage of the incident, police said.

Police officials said officers identified the vehicle as a tan-colored Chrysler sedan with no identifiable markings.

The incident remains under investigation but appears to be a random occurrence with no immediate threat(s) to public safety, police said.

Anyone with information on the identity of the subjects, in this case, is encouraged to contact Middletown Police Ofc. Ceccolini at 860-638-400.