TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Jacksonville teen was rushed to the hospital after he was shot within the arm by an off-duty Florida Division of Regulation Enforcement agent.
Investigators mentioned it occurred whereas the excessive schooler was enjoying a well-liked recreation.
Regulation enforcement officers are warning mother and father throughout Florida in regards to the risks of the ‘senior murderer’ recreation.
The sport seems like one thing you might need performed as a child: gamers capturing at one another with water weapons – till just one group or participant stays. State leaders warn the implications of enjoying ‘senior assassins’ could be lethal as a result of the sport could be performed nearly anyplace, and never everyone seems to be in on the joke.
It is a recreation performed in the dead of night, off -chool campus, typically involving masks. Using water weapons can typically look actual, and a few gamers will go to nice lengths to catch their targets.
“Mother and father, I urge you to have a dialog together with your kids in regards to the risks related to this recreation,” mentioned Michael Key, Neptune Seashore Police Chief.
Senior assassins, killer, or senior tag — regardless of the title, the sport has been performed for generations.
“The fact is, we reside in a special day than once we did when this recreation began some a long time in the past,” mentioned Melissa Nelson, state legal professional for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit.
These variations grew to become very clear final week when an 18-year-old Jacksonville highschool soccer participant was shot whereas enjoying the sport. Nassau County Sheriff Invoice Leeper mentioned it started when a gaggle was noticed lurking round vehicles.
“The home-owner was alerted,” Leeper mentioned. “There’s some individuals in her driveway, so she did what most would do, go test it out. And sadly, one of many college students has a water pistol, however it appears like a gun in the dead of night, you may’t inform the distinction.”
An off-duty FDLE agent was close by and shot the teenager. Happily, the boy is anticipated to make a full restoration.
8 On Your Aspect reached out to Tampa Bay businesses in the event that they’ve seen a current resurgence of this recreation, which received its begin on school campuses on the 70s and 80s.
“In 2024, there have been a number of requires service from involved residents, which had been later discovered to be juveniles enjoying ‘Water Wars’ locally,” the Pasco County Sheriff’s workplace advised 8 On Your Aspect
They’re urging mother and father and guardians to debate with their kids the potential risks of enjoying this recreation.
Tampa Police mentioned it is “conscious of this on-line development” however “haven’t recognized any complaints particularly associated” to the sport.
“The current incident in Nassau County is a sobering reminder that incidents may happen in any of our communities,” Key mentioned.
The FDLE agent won’t be going through fees, however the case continues to be underneath investigation.
