Warning for Alameda parents about social media challenge
Alameda Police Department (APD) issued a public advisory on Wednesday, warning the community about several incidents involving people shooting BB guns, possibly with gel pellets, at bystanders.
The advisory noted that these incidents have been occurring in Alameda since late July and seem to be related to social media challenges that encourage people to shoot at strangers.
“Cities across the country have seen a rise in attacks involving toy guns, likely due to the growing momentum behind a social media trend encouraging people to shoot at strangers,” the APD advisory stated. “In some cases, the toys are being altered to look real.”
The incidents in Alameda seem to be occurring between the afternoon and early evening hours, APD noted. “While these bystanders were not seriously injured, other law enforcement agencies have reported pellets striking victims in the eyes and causing other injuries,” the advisory stated.
“We are asking parents to have thoughtful conversations with their children about the dangers and consequences of participating in viral internet challenges that may compromise their safety or the safety of others.”
