GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The Grants Pass Police Department has arrested three juveniles and referred charges against two additional juveniles following an investigation into a gel-bead blaster assault that left a teenage girl injured earlier this month.
Police announced that the investigation into the July 12 incident has resulted in the arrest of three male juveniles, ages 16, 15 and 13. All three were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center on charges of third-degree assault, second-degree disorderly conduct, and criminal conspiracy.
In addition, police said charges will be referred to the Juvenile Department against a 16-year-old female and an 11-year-old male for the same offenses of third-degree assault, second-degree disorderly conduct, and criminal conspiracy.
Authorities said they will not release the identities of the juveniles because of their ages.
The incident occurred on July 12 at approximately 1:02 p.m., when officers responded to a report that a female juvenile had been struck by water beads while walking near Northeast Jackson Street in Grants Pass.
According to investigators, the victim suffered numerous injuries to her back that were consistent with being struck by water beads fired from a gel-bead blaster. Police noted that manufacturers advertise the devices as firing gel beads at high velocity, causing them to burst on impact.
Investigators determined that several juveniles fired the gel beads from a moving vehicle as they drove past the victim before fleeing the area. Officers later identified those involved through the course of the investigation.
The Grants Pass Police Department said the case underscores the importance of conducting a thorough investigation and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.
Anyone with information about this incident or similar cases is encouraged to contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260. The investigation remains active.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
