An “airsoft” fight in Whiteville has caught the attention of police.
Whiteville Police said on their Facebook page that a group of individuals is shooting at each other using gel pellet guns, which are similar to airsoft BB guns. Gel pellets are larger, and are designed to shoot people without causing serious injury.
WPD has received several reports of “innocent bystanders” being hit by gel shooters, and the department is “actively working to resolve the issue.”
“We strongly encourage parents to have a discussion with their children about shooting these pellets at innocent people,” the WPD post said. “The Whiteville Police Department will be thoroughly investigating each incident and prosecuting everyone involved to the fullest extent of the law.”
A popular trend across the country is for teens to stage running “gel battles,” where they actively hunt for other participants in urban areas. Whether or not the local shooters are part of an organized group is not known.
Anyone with information about the gel shooters is asked to call 642.5111.
