Dearborn police offering cash reward for tips on suspect who shot at 30 people for TikTok's 'Orbeez Challenge'

Dearborn Police car
Photo credit WWJ/Mike Campbell

DEARBORN (WWJ) -- Crime Stoppers is teaming up with Dearborn police to catch and arrest a suspect involved in a drive-by Orbeez blaster shooting that hit several people.

On St. Patrick's day, the Dearborn Police Department said the suspect shot at 30 people standing in line at the Custard Company on Monroe Street and Outer Drive.

Dearborn PD are saying this "Orbeez Challenge" on TikTok is a dangerous trend. The people involved are usually teens and they shoot people with plastic balls that are used in things like diapers to absorb fluids -- but are also sold as ammunition in toy guns.

Dearborn Police Commander Timothy McHale says teens have been firing these plastic guns in drive-bys.

"The Dearborn Police Department has now responded to over 15 incidents involving these Splat guns in the last two weeks, where innocent people have been shot and injured, or property has been damaged," said McHale.

The chief says six people have been arrested that have committed similar crimes as part of the social media challenge. Two of those people were arrested on assault charges.

"Dearborn, this is not a joke," said Shahin. "I promise you, if you do this in the city, you're gonna get caught and there'll be severe consequences."

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin says police are looking for the passenger in a white Mercedes C class.

A $1,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide tips that lead to an arrest of the suspect.

Anyone with information about this incident, or suspect, should call the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2240 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800- SPEAK-UP or 1-800-773-2587. You may remain anonymous.

Featured Image Photo Credit: WWJ/Mike Campbell