The UT Police Department this weekend received two reports from students who had been shot at with airsoft or Orbeez pellet pistols from moving vehicles.

These incidents appear to be part of a social media trend.

The incidents are under investigation. We are working to identify the offenders and we will seek criminal prosecution.

We want to make our students aware that engaging in this type of behavior is a crime. You could be charged with simple assault or a more serious crime should the victim sustain serious bodily injury.

Additionally, the City of Knoxville ordinance 19-109 prohibits the “discharge of air guns, spring guns, etc,” stating that it is “unlawful for any person to fire or discharge any air gun or air pistol, spring gun or spring pistol, or other device or firearm which is calculated or intended to propel or project a bullet, pellet, air or similar projectile, within the city.”

Finally, engaging in this behavior could put you in danger. You may see this as a game but the person at which you’re shooting an airsoft or Orbeez pellet pistol may perceive your actions as a deadly threat and respond as such.

If you are a victim of a crime on campus, please call the UT Police Department at 865-974-3114.

As a reminder, the university provides numerous resources for the personal safety of our campus community members. Download the LiveSafe app to access these campus services and resources.