Kalamazoo police warn of water bead gun attacks

KALAMAZOO, Michigan – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) is warning residents about a trend in which groups are attacking and bombarding unsuspecting people with water beads.

The water beads known under the brand name Orbeez are small pellets that absorb water and are fired from air pistols.

KDPS said in a Facebook post that they had received several complaints from people walking or driving down the street who were shot by Orbeez.

Authorities warn that anyone caught firing or possessing the Orbeez guns illegally will be arrested. Police said some of the Orbeez guns they found were even modified to look like real guns.

If you are caught illegally using one of these weapons, you could face charges of assault, disturbing the peace and possession of a replica firearm, KDPS warned.

“KDPS recognizes that these toys can be used for legitimate recreational purposes, however, we strongly recommend that they be used only with other willing participants to avoid hassle and unnecessary injury,” the department wrote in its Facebook post.

According to KDPS, this trend has been observed in other cities in recent years, but is new in Kalamazoo.

Officers found two Orbeez pistols and an illegal real firearm in the possession of a 20-year-old during a traffic stop last week, KDPS said. The 20-year-old suspect was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and booked into the Kalamazoo County Jail.

The Facebook post also described an incident on Wednesday in which officers were called to the 1400 block of N. Westnedge Avenue after a man was struck in the face with Orbeez. Officers found two suspects, ages 12 and 14, involved in the incident and confiscated the Orbeez weapons. The two children face assault charges. The case is currently being reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office.

We ask that anyone with information regarding this incident or other criminal activity call the Operations Division at 269-337-8142. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer hotline at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.

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