Second Suspect Nabbed: Is Friday the 13th to Blame for Teaneck’s Gel Gun Crime Wave?
file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teaneck NJ, Teaneck residents are breathing a sigh of relief—but also asking questions—after a second juvenile was taken into custody in connection with a series of disturbing “gel pellet” attacks. The timing? Friday, March 13, 2026. While many believe Friday the 13th is a day of bad luck, for Teaneck detectives, it was the day they caught up with a second 17-year-old suspect linked to a string of drive-by shootings and a high-profile bias crime.
The “Unlucky” Friday Arrest
A 17-year-old juvenile turned himself in at Teaneck Police Headquarters on March 13. Police believe he was the front-seat passenger in the sedan used during several assaults across town. This arrest follows the initial capture of the driver earlier this week.
A Pattern of Aggression and Bias
The investigation exploded on March 8, when a 19-year-old resident was targeted outside Congregation Bnai Yeshurun.
The victim, wearing religious garments, was approached by a black sedan. Occupants allegedly shouted questions about the Israel-Palestine conflict before opening fire with an “Orbeez” gun. When the victim didn’t respond, a passenger leaned out and struck him roughly 10 times in the torso.
Beyond the Synagogue: Other Teaneck Attacks
The “gel gun” spree wasn’t limited to one location. Since the initial report, more victims have come forward:
-
Queen Anne Road: A group of four friends was hit with 10 gel bullets by a passing car.
-
West Englewood & Sussex: A woman stopped at a red light had a toy gun pointed at her before her car was struck by pellets.
-
Helmet Hit: Another group of juveniles was fired upon, with one child struck in the leg and another hit in their helmet.
Teaneck Attacks: At-a-Glance
| Incident Date | Target / Location | Weapon Used | Charges Filed |
| March 8 | Synagogue / Religious Youth | Gel Pellet Gun | Simple Assault, Bias Intimidation |
| March 9-12 | Queen Anne Rd / Traffic Lights | Water Gel Gun | Conspiracy, Weapons Possession |
| March 13 | Second Suspect Surrenders | N/A | Pending Interviews |
“Deeply Troubling” Bias Crimes
The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey has condemned the attacks, emphasizing that targeting individuals for their faith is unacceptable. “No one should face harassment for their identity,” stated CEO Jason Shames.
What happens now?
With two 17-year-olds in custody, police are looking into additional charges for both the driver and the passenger. As of now, the “Orbeez gun” craze has led to very real legal consequences, including charges of bias intimidation and conspiracy.
Tags: #Teaneck #NJCrime #FridayThe13th #BiasCrime #CommunitySafety #OrbeezGun #JewishFederationNNJ
