Pittsfield Police Threaten Criminal Charges for Orbeez Guns

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Police Department has doubled down on the school district's public warning about toy gel guns.

On Monday, Pittsfield Police issued a release about Orby or Orbeez toy guns, reporting that in recent weeks, there have been "numerous complaints" about juveniles playing with Orbeez and other similar air-powered toy guns that shoot gel pellets.

Earlier this month, Superintendent Joseph Curtis sent a memo to the school community about the "concerning trend" of gel pellet guns. The toy guns shoot gel or water beads and are said to pose a risk of physical harm and being mistaken for a real firearm.

The police promised "low tolerance" for incidents involving the toy guns and possible criminal charges for repeat or more serious offenses. It was also noted that charges can still be made if children are playing with them together, as state law doesn’t allow for consent to assault and battery.

"The Pittsfield Police Department will have low tolerance for incidents involving Orbeez or other similar toy guns. Under Massachusetts General Law chapter 269 section 12B, it is unlawful for a person under 18 to possess or shoot such an air powered rifle unless they are with an adult. It is also unlawful for anyone to shoot a projectile on, from or over a public way," the department wrote.

"Other possible criminal charges include Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Disorderly Conduct, and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon during a Breach of the Peace. It is important to note that under Massachusetts General Law, a person cannot consent to an assault and battery. That means that even if the children are playing together, criminal charges could result especially if there is injury."

Police say they have already confiscated a number of these toy guns and in many instances, they were returned to the parents with a warning. The toy guns and gel beads are secured behind a locked case in Walmart on Hubbard Avenue, many indicating that they are for ages 14 and older.

"We stress the significance of following this directive to prevent any potential hazards or disruptions that may arise from the presence of these items on school grounds. By upholding this standard, we aim to cultivate a secure and conducive learning environment for everyone within the Pittsfield community."

Both the district and PPD listed physical injuries, misidentification, and public disruption as dangers of the Orbeez guns. PPD wrote:

• Misidentification: While considered toys, some of these guns are similar in appearance to actual firearms. This could easily lead members of the public or even police officers to misidentify the objects as legitimate weapons.
   
• Physical injuries: The pellets are propelled at high speed and can cause welts and eye injuries.  In some instances, the pellets have been frozen to cause further injury to the target or property damage.
   
• Public disruption: Involved individuals have been witnessed running or driving erratically through the downtown area. This creates a dangerous situation for the involved participants as well as drivers and other pedestrians.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.