New Jersey Teen Charged After Pellet Gun Attack Linked to Religious Questioning

A youngster was charged in Teaneck, New Jersey, after a 19-year-old guy was shot multiple times with gel pellets from a toy gun. Authorities say the victim was attacked after being questioned about his opinions on Israel and Palestine, raising worries about bias.

Investigations indicate the incident occurred around 6:10 p.m. Sunday near Teaneck’s 600 block of West Englewood Avenue. A dark car approached the victim as he walked down the street, authorities said. Someone inside the car asked if he backed Israel or Palestine. The man ignored the inquiry and kept walking.

The victim started recording with his phone as he left the car. One of three individuals in the automobile spoke Arabic before firing a “Orbeez-style” gel pellet gun, police said. The victim was hit by a gel bead before the vehicle drove away.

The problem continued. Police claimed the car stopped on Jefferson Street shortly after returning. Someone in the car called the victim over. Again, the man did not answer and recorded the vehicle with his phone.

Investigators said a juvenile leaning out of the passenger window fired a gel pellet gun at the victim. The automobile sped east on Ogden Avenue after the pellets hit the man ten times in the upper body, according to police.

Despite multiple hits, investigators stated the victim did not need medical attention. He reported the incident to police when the vehicle fled.

Officers found orange gel beads on the ground. These beads complement gel pellet gun ammunition. Teaneck Deputy Police Chief Seth B. Kriegel said these gadgets employ compressed air or electricity to propel gel beads through a barrel.

These devices may seem harmless, but regulators say they can injure, especially if fired at the face or exposed skin. When misused or aggressively, even toy projectile devices can be dangerous, police said.

Officers said the victim suspected he was targeted for his religion. Officers noticed he was wearing apparent religious clothing, and the query concerning Israel and Palestine prompted suspicions about bias.

Detectives employed Automated License Plate Reader cameras to find the suspect vehicle. Police said the car’s camera showed someone holding a pellet pistol out the window.

Police identified the vehicle’s registered owner using the video system. After finding the car at the owner’s house, detectives stopped it.

A 17-year-old was arrested. After the arrest, police alerted the teen’s parents. The case was handled by juvenile justice because the suspect is a youngster.

The teen is charged with second- and fourth-degree bias intimidation. He faced fourth-degree conspiracy, third-degree weapons, and simple assault charges.

The probe is part of local authorities’ ongoing prejudice and intimidation prevention efforts. Police say they are still investigating the incident and its events.

Officials warn residents that even toys can be hazardous when used to harm others. Police advise anyone who witnesses or encounters similar incidents to report them for investigation.

The community has watched officers navigate the juvenile court system and decide the case’s next steps.