Arlington Heights, IL – The Arlington Heights Police Department has issued a fresh warning about the “Senior Assassin” game, an annual trend among high school seniors, citing an incident from last year to emphasize the ongoing risks associated with the game.
In April 2024, local police responded to a distress call concerning a suspicious individual seen with what appeared to be a firearm. The individual was actually a high school student engaged in the Senior Assassin game, using a water gun designed to look like a white pistol. This incident, though resolved without harm, highlighted the potential for serious misunderstandings due to the realistic appearance of toy weapons used in the game.
The Senior Assassin game involves participants attempting to “eliminate” each other with water guns, and has become a popular activity as part of senior year celebrations. However, the use of water guns that closely mimic real firearms has led to public safety concerns. Such incidents can alarm the community and may prompt a significant police response, potentially diverting resources from genuine emergencies.
The police department strongly advises against the use of look-alike weapons and encourages participants to play in a safe and respectful manner. Furthermore, they remind players and the public that the game should not be played during school hours or on school property, and it should not interfere with the general public or create cause for alarm.
In light of these concerns, Arlington Heights Police are committed to community safety and urge residents to report any suspicious activities. This is particularly important as the school year draws to a close and activities like the Senior Assassin game become more prevalent.
Residents can reach out to the police department via media representatives,
Commander Petar Milutinovic (M-F, 8-4pm) direct – 847/368-5420
Sergeant Michael Orlando (M-F, 3-11pm) direct – 847/368-5348
