TikTok challenge? Shots fired at pedestrians in New Brunswick, NJ

NEW BRUNSWICK — Was a drive-by shooting near Rutgers University Saturday night involving an Airsoft-type rifle part of a social media challenge?

The shots were fired from a tan Toyota Sienna minivan around 8 p.m. at four people walking near the intersection of George and Bayard streets, according to New Brunswick police. One of those victims is affiliated with Rutgers.

One person was injured by the projectile but refused medical treatment, according to police.

New Brunswick police Capt. J.T. Miller told New Jersey 101.5 that Kevin Le, 20, of Manahawkin, was arrested in the early Tuesday morning in the area of George Street and Livingston Avenue, a block from the incident.

Lee was in possession of a battery-operated CO2 Airsoft-type rifle at the time of his arrest, according to Miller, who said a connection to the Saturday incident remained under investigation.

Gun used in the Orbeez challenge (Margate City Police)

Part of a Tik Tok challenge?

The circumstances of the shooting sounds similar to the Orbeez Challenge on TikTok in which frozen jelly-like balls are fired from a moving vehicle. Several New Jersey police departments including Jersey City, Rahway, Margate, Point Pleasant Borough and Westfield have issued warnings about the challenge.

The gun can fire at more than 200 feet per second, according to Margate police. Some models can fire more than 10 beads every second.

"Put simply, these are dangerous and can cause injury. Additionally, the use of these toys in this manner is illegal under New Jersey law and could result in charges being brought against ANY person, juvenile or adult, who would participate in this challenge," Margate police said.

Miller said New Brunswick police are also aware of the Orbeez incidents in other towns.

"It would be premature to distinguish this incident as such a case," Miller said.

Miller asked that anyone with information or who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting call 732-745-5200.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Every NJ pizza joint Barstool's Dave Portnoy has reviewed

Dave Portnoy, commonly known as El Presidente, is the founder of Barstool Sports. Somewhere along the way, he decided to start reviewing local pizzerias, and the concept took off. Here is every New Jersey pizzeria Dave has stopped in, along with the score he gave them.