The Arlington Heights Police are alerting all parents and community members about a game called “Senior Assassin” that could have a fatal outcome.
The game has students participating in a game where they would have to eliminate their given opponent by spraying them with water guns. However, using this on public grounds can lead to disastrous consequences, as other bystanders would be unaware of the game.
Due to multiple sightings of armed individuals that could potentially be students, the police departments of Arlington Heights, Bartlett, and Gurnee have issued an alert so that such situations do not turn into emergencies.
The game has rules stating that players cannot play on school grounds or within classrooms; they can play in public spaces; this brings the game into the streets, where bystanders would not be aware of what is happening.
Doug Pecora, the police chief of Arlington Heights Police Department, said in a Facebook post, “The concept is not against the law or a local ordinance. We ask everyone to play safely, use common sense, and recognize accurate players’ actions.”
To ensure their safety, players should remain vigilant and responsible. If anyone witnesses any suspicious activity, contact the police at 9-1-1 for immediate action. Police have also received numerous calls regarding particular teenage activities. The response team entered the environment as the homeowner reported a ‘man with a gun’ running through their residential yard. They suspect the activity is linked to the game, but it is not related to the game in most scenarios.
A statement from the police shows the severity of the game can become horrifying for the entire community. For instance, the police reported that students entered a restaurant donning ski masks and carrying water guns resembling firearms to spray their fellow students.
However, due to the lack of knowledge, an adult who had the gun misunderstood the situation and quickly responded. While discussing this specific scenario, the department of Gurnee Police said, “The gravity of the situation cannot be emphasized enough; it had the potential to lead to severe consequences.”
There are other instances where students drove on lawns and held guns or pistols, which the police department acknowledges as a routine activity but can often result in a critical situation. While addressing the party involved, the department of Gurnee Police chief stated “We urge community members to ponder upon the accountability of their participation in such activities and recognize the severity of their actions.”
America is the wrong place to be playing this game.https://t.co/OOYTZcN35D
— Paul Edwards (@kerravon86) April 11, 2024
The police department also said that if anyone notices unusual activities in their area involving people with guns, it may be misinterpreted on-site, especially in public places. There is a clear distinction between harmless games and real dangers that could lead to armed responses unintentionally, as these pick-up games involve high-risk activities.
Especially in states like Illinois, where concealed carry permits are allowed, without attention, these games can have serious consequences. Involving weapons, whether simulated or genuine, in social areas could cause anxiety among individuals. Any unsolicited activities in the community should be reported immediately. The police department concludes with a gentle reminder, “See Something, Say Something.”
