ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police are searching for suspects involved in a bizarre case of nefarious water gun activity.
A press release from the Asheville Police Department (APD) on Thursday, July 18 said over the past week, officers had responded to “multiple reports of individuals being targeted by unknown suspects shooting in what is believed to be Orbeez-style water pellets from a white SUV.” Orbeez guns shoot soft, non-toxic water beads called Orbeez as ammunition. The company’s website claims these type of guns “provide a fun and safe outdoor activity.”
APD said the reported incidents had occurred across various locations within the city, mainly in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Asheville detectives are specifically seeking information to identify two Black males shown in released photos related to the incidents. APD said the white male and the vehicle seen in the released photos had already been identified. A spokesperson for APD told 828newsNOW no charges have been filed yet but the investigation is ongoing.
The Asheville Police Department is urging anyone who was targeted or struck during these incidents and has not yet contacted the police to do so immediately by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store). You can also contact APD at (828) 252-1110.