LEE, Mass. — School officials say members of the Lee High cross-country team were targeted by someone with an airsoft gun on Monday. And they're asking for help in identifying the culprit. 

 

"This afternoon a very upsetting incident occurred," Superintendent Gregg Brighenti wrote in an email to parents late Monday night. "As the members of our cross country team were running down East Street, a dark SUV drove past them and targeted the group with an airsoft gun (or something similar)."

 

He said six students and a coach were hit. 

 

"Fortunately, none of the injuries were serious ... but it could have been much worse," he wrote.

 

The incident has been reported to the Lee Police Department but Brighenti said he's also asking the community for help because "in a small town, information often spreads by word of mouth."

 

Brighenti said it's possible the incident is related to an old TikTok challenge, called the "Orbeez Challenge," in which people are shot with the water beads. 

 

"I ask all members of our community to call the school if you hear any information that may be related to this incident," the superintendent wrote.