BEACHWOOD, NJ — The Beachwood Police Department has reported an incident involving several students from Toms River Int. School South being shot at with Orbeez guns while outside during gym class on February 26, 2024, around 2:40 PM. Orbeez guns, which are high-powered toys that shoot hydrated beads, were used in the attack that resulted in twenty-six students being hit but not seriously injured.
The affected students were promptly taken indoors, and the school’s nursing staff attended to those hit by the beads, confirming no serious injuries. Police units quickly responded to the scene and located the vehicle and juvenile suspects involved at an address in Beachwood. Three Orbeez guns were confiscated from the vehicle.
A subsequent report of another related incident was received, involving the same group of juveniles. A victim on Mizzen Avenue reported being struck in the leg by the beads, also without sustaining serious injuries.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized criminal complaints for Harassment and 4th degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose against the juveniles. School staff are actively supporting the children affected by these incidents.
The Beachwood Police Department encourages anyone with additional information or video footage that could aid the investigation to contact Detective David Bowden at (732) 286-6000 ext. 100.