Do the graduating high school seniors play this game in your area?
I just heard about it. When I was in high school we had Senior Ditch Day where everyone would cut class and go to the beach. Nowadays the teens are descending on the public in this right of passage, trying to "assinate" their fellow classmates by tagging them with water guns. It goes on for a period of time as players are "eliminated" and there's an ultimate winner.
There's a story coming out of Northwest Indiana about it. The overview is that the other day, early afternoon, a citizen observed a young man near a business, acting suspiciously. He was hiding near the said business, peeking around and checking his surroundings while trying to avoid being seen. He had gun that he repeatedly put in and out of his waistband and his body language was nervous. The observing citizen called the police, gave a description of what the guy looked like and told the 911 operator what he was doing, and that he had the weapon. Since this was happening during school hours, law enforcement believed they had a real emergency on their hands. About a dozen officers responded. When they arrived, the high school student was in his car and was detained. On the passenger seat was a water gun. It was not your dollar store neon colored water pistol. It was very different, big, and looked very real (even to a cop) from just a few feet away. The student, an 18 yr. old football player, honor student, all around good kid was arrested on a felony charge of intimidation and taken to jail. His mother is outraged as are many responding on social media saying things like, "it's just a game". "let kids be kids", "wish we had this when I was a kid". This guy now has a record and will have to appear in court. I have a feeling the charges will be reduced and there may be a fine or community service. It all could have been avoided.
First of all, I think it's an awful name regardless if it's a game. Call it something else. Secondly, if you're going to participate follow the rules and don't be stupid. Use a bright colored water gun that's obviously a toy. Better yet, tag your targets with a marker so guns aren't even part of it.
In theory, some may say it's harmless fun, a tradition, but things could have gone horribly wrong with this situation. That kid could have gotten himself shot! And because of his actions and all the responding LE, what other true "situations" were in progress at the time but not receiving due attention? The police have also received calls reporting road rage, reckless driving, and carjacking associated with this game.
Not a good idea, IMO.
Blogs & Forums
Forums
Blogs
