Full Notification

The local police departments have begun to respond to complaints in residential neighborhoods of vehicles being driven recklessly by teenagers. Activity includes chasing other teen operated vehicles at high speeds, blocking each other in and on occasion driving through yards. In addition to the vehicle activity, some of these same teens are reported to be running through the back yards of residences, sometimes carrying guns.

Investigation by both the Pleasant Hills and Jefferson Hills Police Departments has concluded that the teens are engaged in their annual “assassins” game, whereby the guns are actually squirt or nerf guns used to track down and eliminate their targets. Unfortunately, while the teens’ mindset and mentality is that of a “game”, the behavior is being misconstrued and misinterpreted by residents and others in the area. At a minimum, the activity is reported to be annoying and alarming and on many occasions it is unsafe, reckless, and even criminal (trespassing, vehicle law violations, etc.). With the prospect of personal injury and/or property damage, to either participants or innocent bystanders, both the Pleasant Hills and Jefferson Hills Police Departments are adopting a zero tolerance mentality with regard to this activity. To that end, both police departments strongly discourage the activity before unwanted consequences occur. As part of the zero tolerance approach, those choosing to engage in this behavior will be charged with criminal, vehicle and ordinance violations, when applicable.