SAFETY ALERT FROM THE NORTH CASTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Police Department is sharing a community alert regarding a game played by area high school students sometimes called the “Assassin Game”. The game typically begins near the end of the academic year, and it involves students trying to eliminate other players from the game by shooting each other with water guns, NERF guns, or hitting them with water balloons until only one student remains.
The game is played outside of school hours, and away from school grounds, but participants may attempt to locate other students involved at almost any other location, including homes, parks, and businesses. Students playing the game will also often hide or attempt to conceal themselves, enter private property without permission, or drive dangerously to catch their “target”.
The Police Department does not support or condone this game or how it is played. The water guns and NERF guns used to play the game can easily be mistaken for real firearms, and seeing teens carrying these items and chasing each other cannot only be alarming, but potentially tragic. In the past, North Castle Officers have responded to reports of armed subjects, trespassing subjects, and other suspicious activity, only to learn that the subjects involved were students playing the “Assassin Game”. These calls generate a significant Police response which can be dangerous for the officers, innocent bystanders, and the students playing the game. The Police Department responded to one of these calls yesterday in Armonk. Six North Castle Police Officers and multiple Officers from our neighbors at the Town of New Castle Police Department responded to investigate. The call was ultimately determined to be part of this game.
We strongly encourage parents to talk to their children about the dangers associated with carrying water guns or NERF guns that resemble or could be interpreted as real firearms, being on private property without permission, or acting in an otherwise dangerous manner. We request that all students be mindful of their actions and their impact on the community.
Please report any suspicious activity to the Police Department by calling 914-273-9500 or 911, even if you believe it may be related to this game.
