WAXHAW, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Union County high school students are participating in what law enforcement are calling a “dangerous viral game.”
Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey is requesting parental assistance and intervention after deputies have responded to multiple calls over the last several days regarding students taking part in “Senior Assassin.” This game encourages teens to target their classmates by ambushing them with water guns that oftentimes resemble real weapons.
The sheriff’s office says deputies have responded to reports of teens wearing dark clothing and masks, carrying water guns, and acting suspiciously around homes and businesses in the Weddington, Waxhaw and Wesley Chapel areas.
One of the most concerning incidents allegedly occurred late Wednesday night at a home near Crane Road. Deputies were called to the home after two students, both dressed in all black, were spotted hiding along the side of a house, preparing to “ambush” and spray water on their classmate as she returned home and exited her car. However, deputies arrived first and were able to intervene before the situation escalated.
Sheriff Cathey made the following plea to parents:
“Parents, We Need Your Help! Please speak to your teens about the serious risks of this game. Carrying water guns that resemble real weapons in public or private places can lead to confusion, fear, and dangerous situations. Sneaking around homes at night dressed in dark clothing could also be misinterpreted as suspicious or criminal activity, especially in a community where many homeowners take their security very seriously and are often armed with real weapons.”
Further, if you observe suspicious or criminal behavior, call 911 immediately.
