Reports of a handgun in Thunder Bay turn out to be part of ‘Senior Assassin’ game

he game has gained popularity in recent years via social media. It involves graduating high school students being assigned a ‘target’ to eliminate by squirting them with a water gun – and capturing it on video. (File)

Police in Thunder Bay are urging students and their families to take safety into account before taking part in the ‘Senior Assassin’ game being played by graduating high school students.

The game has gained popularity in recent years via social media. It involves graduating high school students being assigned a ‘target’ to eliminate by squirting them with a water gun – and capturing it on video.

Police said the game typically takes place in neighbourhoods, parking lots, parks and other public areas.

“Although intended as entertainment, the game can easily be mistaken for real criminal activity,” Thunder Bay police said in a news release.

On May 9, a motorist in the city called police after “seeing what appeared to be a handgun in the possession of another driver. Due to the nature of the complaint, officers treated the incident as a potentially high-risk weapons call. The item was later determined to be an imitation firearm connected to the Senior Assassin game.”

The challenge for police is that many toy guns can look real -- and police must take reports of armed individuals seriously.

“Police are reminding participants that using imitation firearms in public spaces can result in unintended consequences, including criminal investigations, school-related sanctions or injury,” police said.

“The behaviour may also cause fear and distress for residents who believe they are witnessing a real weapons-related incident. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with youth about making safe decisions and understanding how quickly these situations can escalate.”

In Sudbury, police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said graduating students are reminded to follow the rules of the challenge if they decide to take part.

“We have not had any incidents or arrests in relation to those abiding by the engagement rules of the challenge,” Dunn said in an email May 11.

“We did have one incident where a group was arrested and charged in relation to a ‘gel blaster.’ It shoots tiny gel pellets, but I don’t want that to reflect poorly on the challenge and the youth participating, as we have seen those engaging in the challenge doing so responsibly.”

When the rules are followed, Sudbury police said the challenge can be “a fun, active way for students to connect through friendly competition using water guns or water balloons.”

“We want everyone involved to enjoy themselves while staying safe, respectful, and responsible.”

To ensure there are no incidents, only use water guns that are clearly toys and that don’t resemble real weapons.

“They should be brightly coloured and should never resemble a real firearm,” police said.

Use water balloons

“Water balloons are strongly encouraged as the safest option. Avoid carrying any object that could be mistaken for a real weapon.”

As with the incident in Thunder Bay, participants who use water guns that look real could trigger a 911 call and an “immediate high-risk police response, which could result in criminal charges.”

Participants are also urged to use the Splashin app to play the game and follow the rules it recommends

Those guidelines include:

• Respect private property, businesses, and neighbourhoods.

• Do not play on school property, inside businesses, or in restricted areas.

• Avoid playing near roadways or around vehicles.

• Be mindful of the time of day and your surroundings.

• Always respect people who are not participating.

“Let’s keep this challenge fun, positive, and incident‑free for students, families and the wider community,” Sudbury police said.

In Thunder Bay, students are also being reminded not to use realistic-looking water guns.

“The Thunder Bay Police Service is asking students to avoid participating in activities that involve imitation firearms in public and is encouraging residents to continue reporting suspicious activity involving weapons by calling 911.”

Timmins police spokesperson Michelle St. Louis said they haven’t received any reports of issues related to the Senior Assassin game.

Police in North Bay said they would check on any reports, while Sault Ste. Marie police have not responded to a request for comment.