Royse City – On March 25, 2022 at 8:12 am, the Royse City Police Department received a report of an armed subject at Royse City High School. It was reported by a witness that they observed a subject in the parking lot of the high school pointing a gun at another subject. It was then reported that several subjects were seen running from the area into the school. Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies responded and the school was placed into lockdown. Upon arrival at the school, officers observed what appeared to be several airsoft pellets laying on the ground in the parking lot where the incident was first reported. Officers and RCISD Administrators were able to quickly identify five students involved and those students were placed into custody without incident.
The investigation determined the students were participating in the social media Tik Tok “Orbeez Challenge” in which students use airsoft or BB guns to shoot pellets at other students. Officers recovered 3 airsoft rifles, one airsoft pistol and a bb gun from the subjects at the school. The school lockdown has been lifted and the school is returning to normal operations. The students involved will face serious ramifications for their actions by the School District and possible criminal charges.
The Tik Tok “Orbeez Challenge” is a senseless and dangerous trend that is disrupting school environments across the country. It also causes a serious strain on law enforcement resources because officers have to respond to each incident like it is an active shooter call. The Royse City Police Department and the Royse City School District are asking for parents and guardians to speak with their children about participating in such senseless acts and to discuss the importance of good decision making. Students need to understand that the choices they make today can significantly impact their future. The investigation remains under investigation by the Royse City Police Department.
