Brothers shot bystanders with Orbeez gel while laughing, police say
LAGRANGE, Ga. - Two brothers are charged after LaGrange police said they shot people in the head with water beads.
The boys face reckless conduct and simple battery. The police department said their mother is charged with parental responsibility to supervise.
The shooting happened on March 7 at the tennis pro shop on Hunnicutt Place. Police said the two boys walked into the shop with plastic guns loaded with Orbeez gel pellets and hit a man from about 20 feet away in the face and neck while laughing. They later shot a woman in the parking lot before running on foot.
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Police identified and met with the two boys and their mother on Saturday.
LaGrange police issued a warning that the gel pellets can be dangerous, saying they plan to charge people who harass bystanders.
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"Fortunately neither of these victims or offenders were seriously injured during this reckless act," a statement read, in part. "The LaGrange Police Department would like to make it known that these kinds of reckless behaviors from anyone intentionally trying to cause harm to others with these plastic guns will not be tolerated. These guns, albeit toys, can cause serious bodily harm. They also look like real weapons which could result in deadly encounters and even more serious consequences. Anyone caught intentionally shooting these projectiles at another will be charged accordingly."
Police said they've confiscated air-powered guns that have been painted to look like real weapons.
It's not the first time police have encountered teens firing water beads at unsuspecting people.