Water Bead Incident - 07/21/26

Update:

The Grants Pass Police Department completed a thorough investigation into the recent gel-bead incident in which a female juvenile was victimized.

As a result of the investigation, several arrests were made. The following were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center for Assault in the Third Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, and Criminal Conspiracy.

Male Juvenile, age 16
Male Juvenile, age 15
Male Juvenile, age 13

Two other juveniles will have charges referred to the Juvenile Department for the charges of Assault in the Third Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, and Criminal Conspiracy.

Female Juvenile, age 16
Male Juvenile, age 11

The GPPD is committed to the safety and well-being of our community, and the importance of a thorough investigation cannot be understated. No further information on the identity of the involved juveniles will be provided due to their ages.

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On July 12, 2026, at about 1302 hours, the Grants Pass Police Department received a report of a female juvenile being struck by water beads as she walked down the street.  This occurred around NE Jackson Street.

As a result of the incident, the female juvenile suffered from numerous injuries to her back.  The injuries were consistent with being struck by the water beads, which are fired from a gel-bead “blaster.”  Store descriptions of the blasters advertise they fire beads at a high velocity that burst when they hit a target

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The suspects, all male juveniles, fired the water beads as they drove past the victim.  They fled the scene but were subsequently identified. 

This remains an active investigation of a high priority for the Grants Pass Police Department. Due to the age of those involved, no further details will be provided at this time.

Those with information about this incident, or related incidents, are encouraged to call 541-450-6260.