Law enforcement agencies in Volusia County warning participants in Orbeez Challenge ‘you could be identified and arrested.’

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies throughout the County are warning participants of the new Orbeez Challenge that they could be identified and arrested for shooting at people on the roads and in the community. The Orbeez Challenge involves children loading replica guns with Orbeez or gel beads and then recording themselves firing the replica weapons at other persons. 

The warning comes after multiple jurisdictions began receiving reports of people shot by Orbeez. 

Last Week, Volusia County Sheriff Deputies arrested Sean McMullen, 20, from Enterprise, for shooting at an Amazon delivery driver in Deltona. The Amazon driver was hit in his glasses and neck while driving his route. McMullen also shot another random adult and a 10-year-old child in the face and chest.

Two people at Wes Crile Park in Deltona reported they were shot by Orbeez, which originated from a van that took off after the shooting. The same van was reported to the Sheriff's Office by a man trimming trees outside a Deltona home, who told deputies he was shot in the back by Orbeez beads. The pellets broke the skin and left red welts.

Deputies tracked down the van and charged Diego Medina Vega, 18, from Deltona and two 17-year-olds with battery. Vega was charged with two additional counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

On Monday, a group of kids appeared to be shooting Orbeez at each other from their vehicles when one crashed into a pole at Dewey O. Boster Park in Deltona. 

The Port Orange Police Department is also investigating a drive-by Orbeez shooting of a woman pushing a child in a stroller.

Although an Orbeez gun is not a deadly weapon, firing it at an individual is a crime. Law enforcement agencies around the County agree that individuals can and will be held responsible.

Residents who see such activity should contact their local law enforcement agency.