Students Shot With Gel Water Beads During Gym Class In Ocean County

BEACHWOOD, NJ — Several students were injured Monday afternoon when they were shot with Orbeez gel water beads while walking the track during gym class outside Toms River Intermediate School South on Monday, authorities said.

Four teenagers have been charged with harassment and fourth-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes in connection with the incident, Beachwood Police Chief Glen A. DeMarco said.

There were 26 students outside for gym class Monday afternoon about 2:40 p.m. when a group of teenagers drove by the school and shot at the students with an Orbeez gun, which shoots the Orbeez gel water beads, Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael Citta said.

The students were immediately brought inside and those who were hit were checked for injuries by the school nurse, Citta said. One student had a mark on the arm from being hit by the beads, Citta said.

DeMarco said police responded and began searching for the vehicle and those involved, and found the four teens, all juveniles, at an address in Beachwood. Three Orbeez guns were recovered and seized from the vehicle involved in the incident, he said.

Authorities later learned about a separate incident where the same group of juveniles shot Orbeez at a residence on Mizzen Avenue, DeMarco said. The victim reported being hit in the leg but did not suffer any serious injuries, he said.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office approved the criminal complaints, DeMarco said.

"School staff is diligently working with the children who have been directly involved in this unfortunate incident," he said.

Citta said the teens involved are high school students and the school district will take disciplinary action.

DeMarco said Beachwood police are asking residents who may have additional information or video footage that may help with the investigation to call Detective David Bowden at 732-286-6000, ext. 100.