'Nerf wars' among high schoolers prompts warning from police

Law enforcement agencies in Minnesota are warning families of the potential risks of Nerf and water gun wars taking place among high schoolers.

The Wright County Sheriff's Office said its received multiple reports regarding the so-called "senior assassin" game, including complaints of teenagers playing from moving vehicles or while trespassing on private property.

"The dangers involve teenagers putting their safety at risk by reckless driving, trespassing, damaging property and other disruptions to the community which can result in criminal charges," the agency wrote Wednesday.

The sheriff's office said charges could include offenses such as disorderly conduct, trespassing, traffic infractions, littering, motor vehicle tampering, curfew violations and criminal damage to property.

"We urge all parents and community members to have a conversation with their children about the dangers associated with this game," the agency's post reads.

The post on Facebook drew mixed reactions from the community, including game participants who claim dangerous behaviors referenced in the sheriff's office post are against the rules and would disqualify players and team.

"What are these kids doing outdoors engaging with others?" one sarcastic reply reads. "I blame the parents for not giving them enough TV time to keep them safely inside until they're ready to join the workforce."

The sheriff's office in a follow-up post said it didn't know it would be "kicking a hornet's nest" with the topic and encouraged community members to research crashes that've happened due to such games.

In 2015, for example, two Lakeville South High School students were killed in a rollover crash authorities believed to be related to Nerf war games.

On Tuesday morning, police were called to a neighborhood in Brooklyn Park on reports of someone wearing camouflage and carrying a "long gun."

Police detained a suspect, who turned out to be a student playing "senior assassin" with a water gun.

"We urge all parents and community members to have conversations with their children about the dangers associated with this game," the Brooklyn Park Police Department said in a news release.

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