By Erik Jones | Lorain Daily | April 16, 2025
In a city already reeling from recent gun violence, a drive-by prank involving toy water bead guns has left Lorain residents shaken and outraged. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, involved individuals firing water beads from toy guns at unsuspecting pedestrians and vehicles, causing property damage and public distress.
What some may have seen as a harmless prank turned into a frightening and damaging encounter on West 21st Street. A group of teenagers was caught on a doorbell camera driving through a residential neighborhood, firing high-velocity gel beads at children playing outside. The incident left local kids scared and a vehicle damaged—prompting a flood of anger from the community.
The video shows a car slowly cruising by while at least one passenger fires what appeared to be a gel blaster or “Orbeez-style” gun. Screams are heard as the children scatter, and a nearby neighbor was struck several times by the fast-moving projectiles.
Benjamin Walker, the father whose children were outside during the incident, shared the footage and photos of the aftermath, including a broken taillight on his truck. He says this was no innocent prank.
“Kids should be able to play outside in front of their house without having to worry about stupid idiots like this,” Walker said. “I’m all for fun, but that’s what empty fields are for. Don’t involve other people’s kids or their property.”
While the teens may have believed they were using a harmless toy, the damage tells a different story. Walker says the taillight on his truck was cracked, and more importantly, his children were left frightened.
“My kids play outside every single day with their friends. Now they’re scared. This world isn’t the same as it was when we were kids,” he added.
The act has touched off a wave of heated debate across social media. Some commenters defended the teens, calling it a summer tradition or a senior prank, while others were quick to point out how dangerous it could have been—especially in a city already on edge from real gun violence.
This latest incident comes just days after a deadly shooting on Tower Boulevard, where 21-year-old Larry Moore Jr. and 17-year-old J’Zier Gaddy were gunned down in a parking lot on April 11. Lorain Police later arrested 21-year-old Willie Demarr Gaddy Jr. in connection with the double homicide. He is currently charged with felonious assault as the investigation continues.
Residents say that in light of recent events, what might seem like a joke feels far more serious.
“Imagine if someone thought it was a real weapon and fired back,” one commenter wrote. “This is how people end up getting killed.”
Several people also noted that frozen Orbeez or gel balls can cause injuries or leave welts, especially when fired from a high-powered gel blaster. One commenter shared a story about her child being hit with frozen beads in a similar incident, leaving visible bruises.
Others, like Walker, emphasized the line between fun and recklessness.
“Yes, we played with BB guns when I was a kid—but we did it in the woods, not driving through a neighborhood shooting at kids. That’s where this crosses a line,” he said in one reply.
Some residents expressed frustration that the teens hadn’t already been held accountable. Others urged the video and photos be turned over to Lorain police, though authorities have not confirmed whether an official investigation is underway.
The vehicle in question—a Lincoln SUV—was partially visible in the video, and some commenters speculated that with clearer footage, the teens involved could be identified.
Whether the damage is viewed as minor or not, Walker says the core issue isn’t about the taillight. It’s about safety—and the risk of escalation.
“This could have gone so wrong,” he said. “All it takes is one person to misread the situation. It’s not worth it.”
As of Tuesday, no charges had been filed and no suspects had been named. The video continues to circulate on social media as community members debate whether this was just a prank—or something much more dangerous.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact the Lorain Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau at (440) 204-2105.